Sign Regulations in Collegedale, Tennessee

Collegedale, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 10 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Band Sign, Canopy Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.

Data last verified: February 7, 2025

Sign Regulation Overview for Collegedale, Tennessee

Sample Sign Requirements in Collegedale

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Temporary Sign5 feet4 square feet per sign, 8 square feet for double-sided
Development Sign8 feet32 square feet per side10 feet from right-of-way
Post and Panel (Arm) Sign6 feet8 square feet10 feet from right-of-way and property boundary

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for CollegedaleFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

10

  • Awning Sign
  • Band Sign
  • Canopy Sign
  • Hanging Sign
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

9

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Collegedale

City WebsiteMunicipal Code2 permit application links available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Collegedale 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 Collegedale, 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 Collegedale, regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Band Sign, Canopy Sign, Hanging Sign, 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 Collegedale 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 Collegedale are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Collegedale has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Collegedale, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance

Collegedale, Tennessee regulates 10 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Projecting Signs in the C-1 zoning district are capped at 6 feet tall, 18 square feet, and 36 inches wide (Sec. 08.07.5). Most commercial signs in Collegedale require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Collegedale, Tennessee

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Collegedale (9 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones15 feet4 square feet per sign, 8 square feet for double-sided
Residential zoning districts - AG, R-1-L, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-1-H, PUD38 feet32 square feet per sideYes
C-1736 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ft
C-2736 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ft
C-3736 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ft
MUBC736 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ft
MUTC736 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ft
I-1736 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ft
U-1736 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ft

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Collegedale(sample of 3 of 9 zones)

C-1

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Awning Sign16 feet60% of the awning valance or 25% of the awning faceOne per primary ground floor entranceOn the awning valance or awning faceUnlock08.07.1
Band SignOne per primary entranceGround floor façade, centered over architectural elementsUnlock08.07.2
Canopy Sign16 feet90% of the canopy face or 120 square feet, whichever is smallerOne per building facade if no wall, band, or awning sign existsOn the canopy faceUnlock08.07.3
Hanging Sign6 square feet per sideOne per primary building, one per tenant in multi-tenant buildingsMinimum clearance of 8 feet from grade, maximum height to roofline or second story windowsillUnlock08.07.4
Projecting Sign6 feet18 square feet36 inchesOne per primary useFirst story or second story wall, not above rooflineUnlock08.07.5
Wall Sign36 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ftOne per building façade fronting a public right-of-way if no sign band existsWithin primary façade of occupant spaceUnlock08.07.6
Window SignMaximum of five signs allowedFully within the interior, attached directly or within 12 inches of the insideUnlock08.07.7

C-2

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Awning Sign16 feet60% of the awning valance or 25% of the awning faceOne per primary ground floor entranceOn the awning valance or awning faceUnlock08.07.1
Band SignOne per primary entranceGround floor façade, centered over architectural elementsUnlock08.07.2
Canopy Sign16 feet90% of the canopy face or 120 square feet, whichever is smallerOne per building facade if no wall, band, or awning sign existsOn the canopy faceUnlock08.07.3
Hanging Sign6 square feet per sideOne per primary building, one per tenant in multi-tenant buildingsMinimum clearance of 8 feet from grade, maximum height to roofline or second story windowsillUnlock08.07.4
Projecting Sign6 feet18 square feet36 inchesOne per primary useFirst story or second story wall, not above rooflineUnlock08.07.5
Wall Sign36 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ftOne per building façade fronting a public right-of-way if no sign band existsWithin primary façade of occupant spaceUnlock08.07.6
Window SignMaximum of five signs allowedFully within the interior, attached directly or within 12 inches of the insideUnlock08.07.7

C-3

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Awning Sign16 feet60% of the awning valance or 25% of the awning faceOne per primary ground floor entranceOn the awning valance or awning faceUnlock08.07.1
Band SignOne per primary entranceGround floor façade, centered over architectural elementsUnlock08.07.2
Canopy Sign16 feet90% of the canopy face or 120 square feet, whichever is smallerOne per building facade if no wall, band, or awning sign existsOn the canopy faceUnlock08.07.3
Hanging Sign6 square feet per sideOne per primary building, one per tenant in multi-tenant buildingsMinimum clearance of 8 feet from grade, maximum height to roofline or second story windowsillUnlock08.07.4
Projecting Sign6 feet18 square feet36 inchesOne per primary useFirst story or second story wall, not above rooflineUnlock08.07.5
Wall Sign36 inches for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 48 inches for buildings >35,000 sq ft100 square feet for buildings <35,000 sq ft, 150 sq ft for buildings >35,000 sq ftOne per building façade fronting a public right-of-way if no sign band existsWithin primary façade of occupant spaceUnlock08.07.6
Window SignMaximum of five signs allowedFully within the interior, attached directly or within 12 inches of the insideUnlock08.07.7

PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Collegedale — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in Collegedale

  • Signs not expressly permitted as being allowed by right or by special use permit under this article, by specific requirements in another portion of this chapter or otherwise expressly allowed by the City of Collegedale (City) or the Collegedale Board of Zoning Appeals are prohibited.
  • Bench Signs
  • Freestanding Canopy with Signs
  • Government-imitation Signs
  • Air-activated devices, streamers, tethered balloons or other inflatable signs or figures, except as authorized by this Ordinance.
  • Mechanical Signs
  • Parked-vehicle signs (including but not limited to: Trucks, cars, planes, boats, semi-truck trailers, military equipment, etc.)
  • Roof Signs, including signs painted on roofs
  • Searchlights
  • Signs erected in a public right-of-way, except for those placed by or on behalf of a governmental entity
  • Signs interfering or blocking the sight of directional, instructional, or warning signs
  • Signs on natural features such as trees, other vegetation, and rocks
  • Banners, except as otherwise specified within this Chapter
  • Signs attached to utility poles, or bridges
  • Snipe Sign
  • Any sign which is portable or not securely attached to a building or to the ground (sand bags, rocks, guide wires, tape, stakes, fence posts, chains, and staples are not considered a form of secure attachment)
  • Information boxes larger than 12 inches by 14 inches and 3 inches in depth when erected alone or placed on sign structure
  • Any sign which exhibits statements, words or pictures of an obscene or pornographic nature
  • Any sign with moving parts, flashing or blinking lights, animation or sound emitting devices (excluding two-way communication devices used solely for such two-way communication)
  • Exposed neon window signs
  • Flags, except as permitted in this Chapter
  • Trash receptacle signs
  • Open Channel letter signs
  • Attached Building Mounted smooth-faced cabinet or can signs

Exempt Signs in Collegedale

  • Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
  • Flags mounted on a pole in the ground or on a building, subject to Zoning Ordinance height regulations and must be located and constructed so that if the pole should collapse, its reclining length would be contained on the property on which it is installed.
  • Traffic control and informational signs such as stop, yield, and similar signs, the faces of which meet the requirements of the Tennessee Department of Transportation or other standard in use such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
  • Official notices or advertisements posted or displayed by or under the direction of any public or court officer in the performance of official or directed duties; provided that all such signs must be removed by the property owner no more than ten (10) days after their purpose has been accomplished or as otherwise required by law.
  • Where a federal, state or local law requires or allows a property owner to post a sign on the owner’s property to warn of a danger or to prohibit access to the property either generally or specifically, the owner must comply with the federal, state or local law to exercise that authority by posting a sign on the property.
  • Numerals representing street addresses for dwellings and businesses as required for emergency location and response.
  • Any sign not legible from a street (public or private). This includes drive-in and drive-through menu board signs and signs within buildings, including signs at least ten (10) feet back from window.
  • Signs located within a sports stadium or athletic field and oriented to the playing field or spectator areas.
  • Signs that are carried or worn by humans or animals are allowed at all times while they are being carried or worn.
  • Signs in non-residential and mixed-use zoning districts not greater than four (4) feet in height with a sign area not exceeding six (6) square feet per side and not discernible from a public right-of-way or private street with a public access easement.
  • Signs in residential zoning districts not exceeding four (6) feet in total height above grade, or four (4) square feet.
  • Campaign signs are regulated by T.C.A. § 2-7-143.
  • Any special event signage that is placed on any property within the City that is directly associated with a City sponsored event. No sign shall be placed any closer to the edge of pavement (public or private) than ten (10) feet or in such a location which blocks visibility of motorists.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Collegedale

  • Sign Plan is intended to integrate the signs proposed for a nonresidential development project with the overall site design.
  • The submittal of a Sign Plan shall be optional.
  • An increase in sign height or sign area of more than 25 percent or an increase in the number of signs is not allowed.
  • An application for a Sign Plan shall include filing fees and all plan views, building elevations, square foot sign area allowances, sign location areas and examples of appropriate building signs and freestanding signs.

Source: other municipal code