# Sign Regulations in Decherd, Tennessee

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Decherd, Tennessee, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Decherd, Tennessee (TN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/tennessee/decherd
- **Data last verified:** 2026-02-10
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZGAy8JN7hvbtuZ_yQHj55RQzIi7tTip5/edit)

## At a glance

Decherd, Tennessee regulates 42 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Temporary Farm Products Signs in the Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and Total area of all such signs shall not exceed 16 sq ft, with a Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign setback (Sec. (7)(B) I. Temporary farm products signs). Most commercial signs in Decherd require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 14 | — | 60 sq ft per flag | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 10 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft (copy not larger than 4' x 8') | — |
| Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2) | 11 | 16 ft overall; bottom of sign face minimum 10 ft above ground | 675 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2) | 9 | 16 ft overall; bottom of sign face minimum 10 ft above ground | 675 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Directional Sign (On-site) | — | 4 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from any property line | 1 per driveway | On private premises; not closer than 5 ft to any property line | — | (3) Exempt signs (iv) Directional signs; Definitions 'Sign, directional' |
| Address and Name of Resident Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | (3) Exempt signs (i) |
| Flags/Emblems/Insignia/Banners (Pole-mounted) (Governmental/Religious/Charitable/Public/Nonprofit) | — | 60 sq ft per flag | — | — | Max 3 flags per zoning lot | — | — | (3) Exempt signs (v) |
| Flags/Emblems/Insignia/Banners (Wall-mounted) (Governmental/Religious/Charitable/Public/Nonprofit) | — | 60 sq ft per wall-mounted flag | — | — | Max 2 wall-mounted flags per zoning lot | Wall-mounted | — | (3) Exempt signs (v) |
| Handicapped Parking Space Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | At reserved handicapped parking spaces | — | (3) Exempt signs (vi) |
| Home Occupation Identification Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On an exterior wall, window, or door of the premises | — | (3) Exempt signs (vii)-(viii) |
| Security and Warning Sign (Residential) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | On-premise | — | (3) Exempt signs (xi) |
| Security and Warning Sign (Commercial/Industrial) | — | 5 sq ft | — | — | — | On-premise | — | (3) Exempt signs (xi) |

### Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Complex Sign | — | 32 sq ft (copy not larger than 4' x 8') | 4 ft (copy width) x 8 ft (copy length) max | — | — | At the major entrance to a development | — | (5)(b)(i)-(iii) Residential complex signs |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Ground or Integrated Entrance Feature) | — | — | — | — | Maximum of 2 identification signs at the main entrances | At the main entrances; on private property or in a median if present | — | (5)(c)(i)-(v) Residential subdivision signs |
| Temporary Political Sign (Residential) | — | 8 sq ft | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | — | On-premises | — | (7)(d)(a) Temporary political signs; (7)(a)-(c) General temporary sign provisions |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | — | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | — | On the premises being leased or sold | — | (7)(d)(b) Temporary real estate signs; (7)(a)-(c) General temporary sign provisions |
| Temporary Yard Sale Sign | — | — | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | — | Indicating the location of and direction to a residential yard sale event | — | (7)(B)(a) Yard sale signs; (7)(a)-(c) General temporary sign provisions |
| Temporary Special Event Sign | — | — | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | Two temporary signs, twice per calendar year | — | — | (7)(B)(b) Special event signs; (7)(a)-(c) General temporary sign provisions |
| Temporary Farm Products Sign | 6 ft | Total area of all such signs shall not exceed 16 sq ft | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | Maximum 4 signs | On-premise; announcing availability of seasonal farm products | — | (7)(B) I. Temporary farm products signs |
| Auction Directional Signs (Temporary) | — | — | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | Maximum 5 signs per event | Announcing and directing the public to the auction site | — | (7)(B) III. Auction signs |

### Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Projecting Sign | Minimum 10 ft clearance above established grade to bottom of sign | — | — | No projection into roadway right-of-way | — | Shall not project into the right-of-way of any roadway | — | (6)(a)(i) Projecting signs |
| Billboard (Off-premise, Single Support Pole) | No more than the maximum height allowed in the zoning district, measured above the elevation of the pavement nearest the sign | 675 sq ft | — | Subject to district height limits and any DREMC clearance requirements | — | Freestanding; mounted on a single support pole; not located on or extending across any public right-of-way | — | (6)(b)(i)-(vi) Billboards |
| Off-site Advertising Sign (General) | 16 ft overall; bottom of sign face minimum 10 ft above ground | 72 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any public right-of-way (measured from leading edge of the sign) | — | Within commercial district; not on or over public right-of-way | — | (6)(c)(i)-(vi) General off-site advertising signs |
| Temporary Political Sign (Commercial Districts) | — | 20 sq ft unless affixed to an official billboard | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | — | On-premises | — | (7)(d)(a) Temporary political signs; (7)(b)(i)-(iii) Temporary sign illumination and electrical code |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Commercial Districts) | — | — | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | — | On the premises being leased or sold | — | (7)(d)(b) Temporary real estate signs; (7)(b)(i)-(iii) Temporary sign illumination and electrical code |
| Temporary Special Event Sign (Commercial Districts) | — | — | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | Two temporary signs, twice per calendar year | — | — | (7)(B)(b) Special event signs; (7)(b)(i)-(iii) Temporary sign illumination and electrical code |
| Temporary Farm Products Sign (Commercial Districts) | 6 ft | Total area of all such signs shall not exceed 16 sq ft | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | Maximum 4 signs | On-premise; announcing availability of seasonal farm products | — | (7)(B) I. Temporary farm products signs; (7)(b)(i)-(iii) Temporary sign illumination and electrical code |
| Auction Directional Signs (Temporary, Commercial Districts) | — | — | — | Set back off any street right-of-way; Minimum 20 ft between any two temporary signs on the same lot; Minimum 50 ft from any permanent sign | Maximum 5 signs per event | Announcing and directing the public to the auction site | — | (7)(B) III. Auction signs; (7)(b)(i)-(iii) Temporary sign illumination and electrical code |

## Prohibited signs in Decherd

- Erecting a sign without first obtaining a sign permit is prohibited unless the sign is specifically exempt.
- Signs may not resemble or approximate the size, shape, form, or color of any official traffic control sign, signal, or device.
- Signs may not be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic control sign, or with driver vision at any access points.
- On corner lots, signs may not impede or obstruct vision between 2.5 feet and 10 feet above grade within the 50-foot sight triangle (or more restrictive area as directed by the enforcing officer).
- No sign other than duly authorized governmental signs may be erected or maintained within any public street right-of-way.
- No sign may be painted on or attached to any trees, rocks, fence posts, utility poles, or similar structures or objects.
- No sign may obstruct any doorway, window, sidewalk, or fire escape.
- Illuminated signs may not direct, shine, or reflect light such that it adversely affects surrounding or facing premises, impairs safe vision of motorists, or shines into any residential structure; light must be directed, shaded, or shielded.
- Abandoned, deteriorated, or unsafe signs are prohibited.
- Signs painted on or attached to a vehicle or trailer are prohibited unless the vehicle is operable, carries all current and valid licenses, and is used primarily for the transportation of goods and/or persons in the ordinary course of business.
- Signs made structurally sound by guy wires or unsightly bracing are prohibited.
- Signs containing strobe, pulsating, or flashing lights are prohibited (this prohibition does not apply to electronic display board signs).
- Animated signs are prohibited except changing billboards.
- Signs with direct illumination provided by exposed bulbs or lamps are prohibited.
- Off-premise signs are prohibited except where expressly permitted elsewhere in the ordinance (e.g., billboards and other off-site advertising signs in specified districts).
- Hand-tacked signs on utility poles, fence posts, and trees are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Decherd

- Address and name of resident signs up to 3 square feet with no commercial advertising.
- Artwork that does not include any commercial messages or references.
- Temporary construction hazard warning signs while the hazard exists.
- Decals affixed to windows or door glass panes (e.g., membership decals, credit cards accepted).
- On-site directional signs up to 4 square feet, at least 5 feet from any property line; may be internally lit or illuminated.
- Flags, emblems, insignia, and banners of governmental, religious, charitable, public, or nonprofit organizations, subject to: any single flag up to 60 square feet; no more than three flags per zoning lot; if total flag area exceeds 72 square feet, the excess counts toward sign area; flagpoles not to exceed district height; wall-mounted flags/emblems/insignia/banners limited to two per lot, each up to 60 square feet.
- Handicapped parking space signs up to 2 square feet (not including markings painted or affixed to the ground).
- Home occupation identification signs up to 4 square feet containing only the business and/or owner name, located on an exterior wall, window, or door (subject to zoning allowability).
- Public signs erected by governmental agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification signs for public facilities, and signs erected by or under direction of the board of mayor and aldermen.
- Seasonal holiday decoration signs that are clearly incidental and customarily associated with national, local, or religious holidays.
- Security and warning signs (e.g., no trespassing, no hunting, no soliciting), up to 2 square feet in residential areas and 5 square feet in commercial and industrial areas.
- Temporary political signs on premises in any residential, commercial, or industrial district; may be placed up to 90 days prior and must be removed within 7 days after the election or political event (size limits: up to 8 square feet in residential districts; up to 20 square feet in commercial and industrial districts unless affixed to an official billboard).
- Temporary real estate signs indicating property for sale or lease on the premises being sold or leased; must be removed within 7 days of settlement or lease.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required before erecting any sign unless the sign is expressly exempt.
- For neon lighting on signage attached to a building or structure, a Tennessee-licensed electrician is required; permits must be obtained through Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC), and the electrical work is subject to inspection by the State of Tennessee Electrical Inspector.
- Locations of signs requiring permits must be approved by DREMC as part of the permit process; sign height must conform to DREMC limitations based on the horizontal distance from electric lines.
- If a sign is designed/fabricated by someone not associated with a professional sign company, the Codes Department must approve the sign design and details (including construction materials) before a permit is issued.
- Billboards must be engineered for wind and weight loads, and footer and sign plans must bear a licensed engineer’s stamp and signature.
- Temporary signs requiring approval from the enforcing officer before erection include: yard sale signs; special event signs (e.g., grand openings, new management, going out of business, events by religious/charitable/public service groups; up to two temporary signs including portable signs, twice per calendar year, for up to 30 days); temporary on-premise farm products signs (limits apply); construction project signs; and auction signs (limits and removal deadlines apply). Noncompliant or overdue temporary signs may be removed by the enforcing officer at the responsible party’s expense.
- Nonconforming signs: if damaged or destroyed to 50% or more of the sign structure or its depreciated value, removal or repair requires a new sign permit; alterations are limited to 50% of the sign structure or depreciated value and must not create new noncompliance; when a new business takes possession of a facility with a non-active business and a nonconforming sign, a sign permit is required and a conforming sign must be installed.
- No master sign plan requirement is specified in the provided text.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 4 zoning districts in Decherd — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Decherd+TN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-decherd

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