Sign Regulations in Clinton, Tennessee
Clinton, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Wall Sign, Pole 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 2, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Clinton, Tennessee
Sample Sign Requirements in Clinton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign - PUD or Subdivision Entrance | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line; directional signs of ≤3 sq ft may be at edge of right-of-way if ≤3 ft above driveway grade and not obstruct visibility. |
| Ground Sign - All Others (Residential) | 6 ft | 16 sq ft (total per parcel) | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. |
| Individual Building Identification Sign (Within Residential PUD) | 6 ft | 9 sq ft | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ClintonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Projecting Sign
- Wall Sign
- Pole Sign
- Electronic Message Center / Dynamic Sign (On-Premises Only)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Clinton
Other Cities in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Clinton 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 Clinton, 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 Clinton, regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Wall Sign, Pole Sign, Electronic Message Center / Dynamic Sign (On-Premises Only), 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 Clinton 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 Clinton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Clinton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Clinton, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance
Clinton, Tennessee regulates 29 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Wall Signs in the Central Business District (B-1); Neighborhood Business District (B-3) zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 200 sq ft, with a Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or property line for freestanding; clearance rules apply if above walkway/driveway. setback (Sec. Table 5.d (Commercial B1, B3: Wall); Section 2.9.2.d; Section 2.9.3.a). Most commercial signs in Clinton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Clinton, Tennessee
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Clinton (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Density Residential (R-1); Medium Density Residential (R-2) | 4 | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (B-1); Neighborhood Business District (B-3) | 6 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| General Business District (B-2) | 6 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Interstate Business District (B-4) | 7 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial District (M-1); Heavy Industrial District (M-2) | 7 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft (per sign, Table 5.d) but total area of all wall + ground signs per establishment ≤150 sq ft. | — |
| Park District (P1) | 6 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | ≤3 ft above driveway grade (when at edge of right-of-way) | 32 sq ft total; 48 sq ft total for businesses with over 2 acres | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Clinton(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Central Business District (B-1); Neighborhood Business District (B-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 8 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or property line for freestanding; clearance rules apply if above walkway/driveway. | Per business: generally 2; corner/through lots up to 3 (see Section 2.9.2.d). | On-building wall. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Commercial B1, B3: Wall); Section 2.9.2.d; Section 2.9.3.a |
| Ground Sign - Individual | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. | Counts toward general sign limit per Section 2.9.2.d. | On-premises freestanding ground sign. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Commercial B1, B3: Ground - Individual); Section 2.9.2.c; Section 2.9.3.a |
| Ground Sign (General) | 25 ft | 50 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. | Counts toward general sign limit per Section 2.9.2.d. | On-premises freestanding ground sign. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Commercial B1, B3: Ground 50 sq ft); Section 2.9.2.c; Section 2.9.3.a |
| Pole Sign | Minimum 10 ft clearance; 15 ft over traffic; maximum 20 ft below roof (vertical portion of roof façade overhangs not considered roof). | 25 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. | Counts toward general sign limit per Section 2.9.2.d. | On-premises freestanding pole sign. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Commercial B1, B3: Pole); Section 2.9.2.b; Section 2.9.2.c; Section 2.9.3.a |
| Projecting Sign | 25 ft | 25 sq ft | — | — | Counts toward general sign limit per Section 2.9.2.d. | Projecting from building face. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Commercial B1, B3: Projecting); Section 2.9.2.b; Section 2.9.3.a |
| Major Directory Sign (PUD/Shopping Center/Mall) | 25 ft | 150 sq ft | — | No part of any on-premises freestanding sign closer than 5 ft to any street right-of-way. | One Major Directory Sign per shopping center/mall/PUD. | On-premises for shopping centers/malls/PUDs. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Commercial B1, B3: Ground - Major Directory for PUD); Section 2.9.d.1-4 |
Interstate Business District (B-4)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 8 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way or property line for freestanding; clearance rules apply if above walkway/driveway. | Per business: generally 2; corner/through lots up to 3 (see Section 2.9.2.d). | On-building wall. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Commercial B4: Wall); Section 2.9.2.d; Section 2.9.3.a |
| Ground Sign - Individual | 25 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. | One ground sign per establishment. | On-premises freestanding ground sign. | — | Unlock | Section 2.9.b.2 (Business Districts – B-4); Table 5.d (Commercial B4: Ground - Individual 100 sq ft) – text in Section 2.9.b.2 governs at 200 sq ft. |
| Major Directory Sign (Shopping Center/Mall/Commercial PUD – B-4) | 25 ft | 150 sq ft | — | No part of any on-premises freestanding sign closer than 5 ft to any street right-of-way. | One Major Directory Sign per shopping center/mall/commercial PUD. | On-premises at shopping center/mall/Commercial PUD. | — | Unlock | Section 2.9.b.2; Section 2.9.d.1-4 |
| Wall Sign (Shopping Center Tenant – Building Frontage Formula) | — | — | — | — | Each business within the development limited to one wall sign by this formula. | On-building wall for each business within a B-4 shopping center/mall/commercial PUD. | — | Unlock | Section 2.9.b.2 |
| Pole Sign | Minimum 10 ft clearance; 15 ft over traffic; maximum 20 ft below roof (vertical portion of roof façade overhangs not considered roof). | 25 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. | Counts toward general sign limit per Section 2.9.2.d. | On-premises freestanding pole sign. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Commercial B4: Pole); Section 2.9.2.b; Section 2.9.2.c; Section 2.9.3.a |
| Projecting Sign | 25 ft | 25 sq ft | — | — | Counts toward general sign limit per Section 2.9.2.d. | Projecting from building face. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Commercial B4: Projecting); Section 2.9.2.b; Section 2.9.3.a |
| Electronic Message Center / Dynamic Sign (On-Premises Only) | — | Dynamic portion ≤25 sq ft; overall sign size per district limitations. | — | General setbacks apply (5 ft from right-of-way/property line). | — | On-premises only within B-4; oriented away from residential neighborhoods. | — | Unlock | Section 2.9.e.1-11; Section 2.9.2.j |
Light Industrial District (M-1); Heavy Industrial District (M-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Outside PUD) | 25 ft | 200 sq ft (per sign, Table 5.d) but total area of all wall + ground signs per establishment ≤150 sq ft. | — | Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way/property line for freestanding signs. | General: No more than two signs per business/industry (not two of the same type); corner/through lots may have three (Section 2.9.2.d). | On-building wall for separate establishments outside a PUD. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Industrial M1, M2: Wall 200 sq ft/25 ft); Section 2.9.c.1 |
| Ground Sign - Individual (Outside PUD) | 25 ft | 150 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. | Counts toward general sign limit per Section 2.9.2.d. | On-premises freestanding ground sign for separate establishments outside a PUD. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Industrial M1, M2: Ground - Individual 150 sq ft/25 ft); Section 2.9.c.1; Section 2.9.2.c |
| Projecting Sign | 25 ft | 150 sq ft | — | — | Counts toward general sign limit per Section 2.9.2.d. | Projecting from building face. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Industrial M1, M2: Projecting 150 sq ft/25 ft); Section 2.9.2.b; Section 2.9.3.a |
| Major Directory Sign (Industrial PUD) | 25 ft | 150 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. | Per industrial PUD entrance: one major directory sign. | On-premises for industrial PUDs. | — | Unlock | Table 5.d (Industrial M1, M2: Ground - Major Directory for PUD 150 sq ft/25 ft); Section 2.9.c.2 |
| Industrial Park Entrance Major Directory Sign | 25 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. | One major directory sign at Industrial Park entrance. | Entrance to Industrial Park. | — | Unlock | Section 2.9.c.3 |
| Ground Sign (Industrial PUD – Per Establishment) | 25 ft | 75 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any street right-of-way or adjoining property line. | One ground sign per establishment within an industrial PUD. | On-premises for each establishment within an industrial PUD or multi-tenant building. | — | Unlock | Section 2.9.c.2 |
| Electronic Message Center / Dynamic Sign (On-Premises Only) | — | Dynamic portion ≤25 sq ft; overall sign size per district limitations. | — | General setbacks apply (5 ft from right-of-way/property line). | — | On-premises only within M-1/M-2; oriented away from residential neighborhoods. | — | Unlock | Section 2.9.e.1-11; Section 2.9.2.j |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Clinton — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Clinton — start freeProhibited Signs in Clinton
- Off-premises signs (including billboards) are prohibited, except for political campaign/free speech signs and temporary special event signs allowed under 2.9.4.a–b.
- Attention-getting devices with motion or moving parts (from mechanical or wind sources), including spinners, pinwheels, reflectors, streamers, fringe, pennants, balloons, and feather banners, are prohibited.
- Signs with flashing, rotating, intermittent, pulsing, or scrolling lights are prohibited; exception for signs that display only time/temperature or public service announcements without advertising, as allowed elsewhere in the code.
- Portable signs (including bench, A-frame, and sidewalk signs) are prohibited, except where expressly permitted in Section 2.9.4.
- Roof signs (mounted on the roof portion of any building or structure) are prohibited.
- Signs on public rights-of-way or public property, including utility poles, are prohibited, except official signs erected by an authorized public entity.
- Signs that interfere with the view of traffic or could be confused with or obstruct any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device are prohibited.
- Signs not securely affixed to the ground or mounted in a frame or attached to a rigid backing that prevents sagging and wind movement are prohibited.
- Vehicle-mounted signs parked on public or private property solely for the purpose of displaying advertising are prohibited (vehicles used and driven in the normal course of business are excepted).
- Signs placed on private property without the permission of the property owner are prohibited.
- Signs that emit sound are prohibited.
- Snipe signs are prohibited.
- Graffiti (not otherwise defined as Supergraphic) and clutter signage (more signs than necessary) are prohibited.
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Any sign not expressly permitted by this code or other city ordinances is prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Clinton
- Political campaign/free speech or expression signs up to a maximum total area of 16 sq ft per parcel; removal within 7 days after the related election/event; no permit required.
- Temporary special event signs and feather banners announcing a noncommercial event: up to 16 sq ft per parcel in residential zones and 48 sq ft per parcel in commercial/industrial zones; may be erected no more than 14 days prior and must be removed within 30 days (and within 5 days after the event); no permit required.
- Directional signs internal to parking areas with no advertising, max 3 sq ft each; no permit required.
- Construction site signs: one per site, max 16 sq ft in residential and 32 sq ft in commercial/industrial; allowed only until project completion and removed before Certificate of Occupancy; no permit required.
- Property address numerals (to identify the address) on the principal building and, if needed, on curb/mailbox/other device; no permit required.
- Real estate signs (sales, rentals, leases, auctions, including subdivision real estate signs) per Table 5.d; no permit required.
- Signs on private property that prohibit trespassing, hunting, or fishing; no permit required.
- Signs or banners temporarily displayed at sporting or recreational functions at city-owned facilities and parks accessible to the public; no permit required.
- Temporary advertising signs or banners (excluding changeable copy signs): total max area 32 sq ft (48 sq ft for businesses over two acres); only on commercially zoned property where the advertised activity/business/product/service is conducted; must not violate 2.9.2.c or 2.9.3.a; no permit required.
- Supergraphics are exempt.
- Items not considered signs (and therefore generally exempt from sign code): festival or holiday decorations; the noncommercial use of flags, emblems, insignia of any nation or political subdivision; traffic, safety, or similar regulatory devices; legal notices; signs/tablets that are primarily memorials; emblems of religious institutions attached to buildings; flags or similar emblems of political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organizations.
- Temporary signs placed on the interior of a window for viewing from the exterior are not counted as a sign.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Clinton
- Plans are required for any sign that requires a permit: applicants must submit owner and property information, a scaled diagram/elevation with dimensions and estimated cost, a scaled property drawing showing sign location and site features, and sign contractor information (2.9.2.a).
- Office Parks must submit a Common Signage Plan for the entire development, including overall layout with sign and building locations, parking, existing streets, sign sizes, and allocation for multiple tenants; multiple directory signs may be permitted upon approval of the Common Signage Plan (2.9.d.5).
- Site plans are required for new or redevelopment of commercial, multi-family, public, and semi-public uses and must be approved by the planning commission (and CHZC in historic districts) before grading/building permits; site plans must show the location of all existing and proposed structures (including signs) and include plans for circulation, utilities, landscaping/open space, signs, parking, and stormwater (Section 2.10).
- Permits are required for all types of signs unless otherwise provided; it is unlawful to erect, structurally repair (other than normal maintenance), replace, alter, relocate, or change panels/establishment on a sign without first obtaining a permit (2.9.8).
- Appeals/variances: The Board of Zoning Appeals hears appeals and may authorize variances to relieve hardships; variances cannot allow right-of-way encroachment, larger signs, or signs/banners otherwise not permitted (2.9.11).
Source: other municipal code