Sign Regulations in Hendersonville, Tennessee
Hendersonville, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Incidental Sign, Building Marker Sign, Flag. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: September 12, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Hendersonville, Tennessee
Sample Sign Requirements in Hendersonville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incidental Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — |
| Building Marker Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Flag | 35 ft per flagpole (pole), 15 ft above highest roof point for flags on building | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
24
- Incidental Sign
- Building Marker Sign
- Flag
- Directory Sign (Ground)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Hendersonville
Other Cities in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Hendersonville 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 Hendersonville, 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 Hendersonville, regulated sign types include Incidental Sign, Building Marker Sign, Flag, Directory Sign (Ground), 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 Hendersonville 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 Hendersonville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hendersonville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hendersonville, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance
Hendersonville, Tennessee regulates 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Temporary Ground Sign (Residential Non-Commercial)s in the Rural Residential (RR), Estate Residential (ER), Suburban Residential, Low Density (SR-1), Suburban Residential, Medium Density (SR-2), Suburban Residential, Preservation District (SR-3), Townhouse Residential (THR), Waterfront Residential (WR) zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 9 sq ft, with a Not within 12 ft of pavement edge setback (Sec. 13.3.2.11.B, Table 16). Most commercial signs in Hendersonville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hendersonville, Tennessee
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hendersonville (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Residential (RR), Estate Residential (ER), Suburban Residential, Low Density (SR-1), Suburban Residential, Medium Density (SR-2), Suburban Residential, Preservation District (SR-3), Townhouse Residential (THR), Waterfront Residential (WR) | 10 | 35 ft per flagpole (pole), 15 ft above highest roof point for flags on building | 40 sq ft | — |
| Multi-Family Residential (MFR) | 10 | 35 ft per flagpole (pole), 15 ft above highest roof point for flags on building | 32 sq ft | — |
| Dockside Neighborhood (DN) | 6 | 35 ft per flagpole (pole), 15 ft above highest roof point for flags on building | 40 sq ft | — |
| Mixed Residential (MXR) | 3 | 35 ft per flagpole (pole), 15 ft above highest roof point for flags on building | 9 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Office (O), Mixed Commercial (MXC), General Commercial (GC), Heavy Commercial (HC), Industrial (I) | 15 | 35 ft per flagpole (pole), 15 ft above highest roof point for flags on building | 60 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hendersonville(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Rural Residential (RR), Estate Residential (ER), Suburban Residential, Low Density (SR-1), Suburban Residential, Medium Density (SR-2), Suburban Residential, Preservation District (SR-3), Townhouse Residential (THR), Waterfront Residential (WR)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Marker Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.2, Table 16 |
| Flag | 35 ft per flagpole (pole), 15 ft above highest roof point for flags on building | — | — | — | Up to 6 flags per principal building | On principal building/zone lot | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.6, Table 16 |
| Institutional Ground Sign (Residential) | 4 ft + 2 ft/each additional 5ft setback beyond minimum (max 8 ft) | 40 sq ft | — | Off right-of-way; min 12 ft from pavement | — | Place of Worship, Educational Facility, hospital etc. on same site | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.5.A, Table 16, Table 17 |
| Institutional Wall Sign (Residential) | — | 40 sq ft per wall | — | — | 1 per wall | Place of Worship, Educational Facility, hospital etc. on same site | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.5.B, Table 16 |
| Temporary Ground Sign (Residential Non-Commercial) | 4 ft | 9 sq ft | — | Not within 12 ft of pavement edge | 1 per lot | On private property | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.B, Table 16 |
| Temporary Election Ground Sign (Residential) | 4 ft | 16 sq ft | — | Not within 12 ft of pavement edge | — | On private property with owner permission | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.C.1, Table 16 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential) | 4 ft | 9 sq ft | — | Not within 12 ft of pavement edge | 1 (or 2 if corner/double frontage) | On private property for sale/lease | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.C.2, Table 16 |
| Temporary Real Estate Development Sign (Residential) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Min 30 ft from edge of street | 1 per subdivision or development | New subdivision or residential development | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.C.3, Table 16 |
Multi-Family Residential (MFR)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Marker Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.2, Table 16 |
| Flag | 35 ft per flagpole (pole), 15 ft above highest roof point for flags on building | — | — | — | Up to 6 flags per principal building | On principal building/zone lot | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.6, Table 16 |
| Directory Sign (Ground) | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parking entrance | Near parking entrance; away from public right-of-way | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.3, Table 16 |
| Principal Ground Sign | 5 ft | 30 sq ft | — | Off right-of-way; at least 12 ft from pavement; see separation rules | Up to 2 (with frontage/spacing requirements) | On-site | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.7, Table 16, Table 17 |
| Temporary Ground Sign | 4 ft | 9 sq ft | — | Not within 12 ft of pavement edge | 1 per lot | On private property | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.B, Table 16 |
| Temporary Election Ground Sign (Residential) | 4 ft | 16 sq ft | — | Not within 12 ft of pavement edge | — | On private property with owner permission | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.C.1, Table 16 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential) | 4 ft | 9 sq ft | — | Not within 12 ft of pavement edge | 1 (or 2 if corner/double frontage) | On private property for sale/lease | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.C.2, Table 16 |
| Temporary Real Estate Development Sign (Residential) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Min 30 ft from edge of street | 1 per subdivision or development | New subdivision or residential development | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.C.3, Table 16 |
Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Office (O), Mixed Commercial (MXC), General Commercial (GC), Heavy Commercial (HC), Industrial (I)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Marker Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.2, Table 16 |
| Flag | 35 ft per flagpole (pole), 15 ft above highest roof point for flags on building | — | — | — | Up to 6 flags per principal building | On principal building/zone lot | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.6, Table 16 |
| Principal Ground Sign (Single Tenant) | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — | Off right-of-way; min 12 ft from pavement | Up to 2 (with frontage/spacing requirements) | On-site | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.7, Table 17, Table 18 |
| Directory Sign (Ground) | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parking entrance | Near parking entrance; away from public right-of-way | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.3, Table 16 |
| Temporary Ground Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | Not within 12 ft of pavement edge | 1 per lot | On private property | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.B, Table 16 |
| Temporary Banner (Wall) | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | On wall of principal building only, securely attached | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.A, Table 16 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Commercial/Industrial) | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | — | Not within 12 ft of pavement edge | 1 (or 2 if corner/double frontage) | On private property for sale/lease | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.C.2, Table 16 |
| Temporary Real Estate Development Sign (Commercial/Industrial) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Min 30 ft from edge of street | 1 per development | New development | — | Unlock | 13.3.2.11.C.3, Table 16 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Hendersonville — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Hendersonville — start freeProhibited Signs in Hendersonville
- All signs not expressly permitted under this Chapter or exempt from regulation hereunder in accordance with the previous Chapter are prohibited.
- Abandoned or obsolete signs must be removed; tarps, banners, or similar temporary measures may not cover an obsolete business name or text.
- Animated signs (including video signs) are prohibited.
- Beacons are prohibited.
- Blade banners, feather flags, swooper flags, teardrop flags, and similar devices are prohibited.
- Flashing signs, including those visible from the street even if inside a window, are prohibited (except barber poles as specified).
- Inflatable signs, including inflated characters, lighter-than-air devices, and balloon-type devices, are prohibited.
- Obscene signs are prohibited.
- Other attention-attracting devices, unless conforming to all applicable standards for a sign in the same location, are prohibited.
- Pennants are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Signs constituting a traffic hazard, such as those obstructing view or causing confusion with traffic signals, notices, or emergency vehicles, or creating distractions, are prohibited.
- Signs on natural features such as trees, vegetation, and rocks are prohibited.
- Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited except for enumerated public, utility, emergency, and informational signs, and signs appurtenant to a permitted use of public property.
- Signs on utility poles, fences, and benches are prohibited.
- Streamers are prohibited.
- Strings of lights are prohibited, except for high-quality lighting for approved restaurant outdoor seating.
- Vehicle signs are prohibited.
- Wall murals: All criteria not expressly permitted by Chapter 13.10.1 are prohibited, including application to unlawfully established surfaces, creation of traffic hazard, obscuring architectural features or having adverse property effects, compromising safety or building function, installation in nonconforming locations or heights, containing logos/trademarks (except official government seals), including commercial text/products mimicking/symbolizing a specific brand, incorporating recognized signs of hatred/discrimination, being obscene/harmful to minors, or being reproduction/mass-produced art.
Exempt Signs in Hendersonville
- Any public notice or warning required by federal, State, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
- Traffic control signs that meet Department of Transportation standards and contain no commercial message.
- Any sign not legible from a street (public or private), including drive-in/drive-through menu boards and signs set at least 10 feet back from windows.
- Works of art (not including wall murals), provided they do not contain or relate to a commercial message, brand, service, or product.
- Any sign placed upon City property at the direction of the City, not placed closer than 12 feet from edge of pavement or in a location that blocks motorists’ visibility.
- Special event signage for City-sponsored events (with Board of Mayor and Aldermen resolution); not placed closer than 12 feet from edge of pavement or in a location that blocks motorists’ visibility.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hendersonville
- A Master Signage Plan is required before issuing permits for a principal ground sign or wall sign for a new multi-tenant commercial building.
- The Master Signage Plan must show all permanent signs (except incidental signs), the maximum area/height/number allowed, locations, detailed drawings/renderings, and be signed by property owners or their agents.
- An approved sign design guide and/or Master Sign Plan from a Planned Development or Site Plan for the proposed development may satisfy the requirement if deemed sufficient by the Planning Department.
- The Master Signage Plan requirement can be waived by the Planning Department for buildings with three or fewer tenants, or if deemed unnecessary.
- A Master Signage Plan may be amended by filing a new plan that conforms to all requirements.
- After approval, all signs must comply with the Master Signage Plan. Conflicts between a Master Signage Plan and City ordinances are resolved in favor of the ordinances.
- For major regional retail developments seeking artistic signature signage in a Planned Development, a Master Sign Plan submission is required.
- Design review for permanent signs (including replacements for which a permit is required) is required to confirm conformance with design standards prior to permit issuance.
Source: other municipal code