Sign Regulations in Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 8 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant, Freestanding Sign - Additional. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.

Data last verified: January 6, 2025

Sign Regulation Overview for Jackson, Tennessee

Sample Sign Requirements in Jackson

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Freestanding Sign15 feet50 square feet
Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant35 feet250 square feet
Freestanding Sign - Additional25 feet150 square feet

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

PermitPal Coverage for JacksonFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

8

  • Freestanding Sign
  • Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant
  • Freestanding Sign - Additional
  • Freestanding Sign - Out Parcels
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

6

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Jackson

City WebsiteMunicipal Code2 permit application links available

Frequently Asked Questions

In Jackson, monument signs are limited to 15 feet. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.

To get a sign permit in Jackson, 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 Jackson, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant, Freestanding Sign - Additional, Freestanding Sign - Out Parcels, 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 Jackson 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 Jackson are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Jackson has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Jackson, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance

Jackson, Tennessee regulates 8 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenants in the Commercial districts and A-0 Agricultural and Open Land Districts zoning district are capped at 35 feet tall and 250 square feet (Sec. Section 21-15 (b)(1)). Most commercial signs in Jackson require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Jackson, Tennessee

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Jackson (6 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
Residential districts115 feet50 square feetYes
Commercial districts and A-0 Agricultural and Open Land Districts335 feet250 square feetYes
B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, I-O, O-C, O-R, O1B-1/I-O/O-C: 25 feet, B-2/B-3/B-4/B-5: 50 feet, O-R: 5 feet200 square feet per signYes
SC-1335 feet250 square feetYes
Industrial Districts - I-0, I-1, I-2, I-3150 feet300 square feetYes
General Regulations For All Zones424 feet above roof levelNot specifiedYes

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Jackson(sample of 3 of 6 zones)

Commercial districts and A-0 Agricultural and Open Land Districts

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant35 feet250 square feet1 per centerAt an existing or planned driveway entrance to the center they serve.YesUnlockSection 21-15 (b)(1)
Freestanding Sign - Additional25 feet150 square feet1 additional if conditions metOriented toward an alternate street providing access to the center.YesUnlockSection 21-15 (b)(2)
Freestanding Sign - Out Parcels25 feet150 square feet1 per out parcelYesUnlockSection 21-15 (b)(3)

SC-1

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant35 feet250 square feet1 per centerAt an existing or planned driveway entrance to the center they serve.YesUnlockSection 21-15 (b)(1)
Freestanding Sign - Additional25 feet150 square feet1 additional if conditions metOriented toward an alternate street providing access to the center.YesUnlockSection 21-15 (b)(2)
Freestanding Sign - Out Parcels25 feet150 square feet1 per out parcelYesUnlockSection 21-15 (b)(3)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Freestanding SignNot specifiedNot specified1 or 2 if conditions metYesUnlockSection 21-19
Wall SignNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedYesUnlockSection 21-20
Roof Sign24 feet above roof levelNot specifiedNot specifiedYesUnlockSection 21-21
Projecting Sign6 feet above the top of a parapetNot specified1 or 2 if conditions metYesUnlockSection 21-22

PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Jackson — 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 Jackson

  • No sign shall be permitted which is animated by means of sparkle, scintillating, blinking or travelling lights or any other means unless it is an integral part of a display providing constant illumination.
  • The tacking, pasting, or otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of buildings, commercial property, poles, posts, fences or other structure is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by this code.
  • Such business signs that advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted or available on the premises on which the sign is located, shall be prohibited.
  • No person shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or public property or on private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises.
  • No sign shall be permitted which is placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, electrolier, hydrant, bridge, tree or other surface located on public property or over or across any street or public thoroughfare except as may otherwise expressly be authorized by this code.
  • Flags other than those of any nation, state or political subdivision or corporate flag are prohibited except as set forth in the code.
  • "A" frame or sandwich board, sidewalk or curb signs and other portable or hand held type signs are prohibited.
  • Signs which bear or contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene, pornographic, immoral character, or which contain advertising matter which is untruthful are prohibited.
  • Signs which operate or employ any stereopticon or motion picture projection or media in conjunction with any advertisements, or give the illusion of motion except as permitted in this code are prohibited.
  • Signs which emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
  • Signs which purport to be, or are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal, or which bear the words "Stop," "Go Slow," "Caution," "Danger," "Warning," or similar words are prohibited.
  • Signs which, by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination, may be confused with or construed as a traffic-control sign, signal or device, or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle, or which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal or device are prohibited.

Exempt Signs in Jackson

  • Changing of the advertising copy or message on an existing approved painted or printed sign, marquee, changeable copy sign or a similar approved sign whether electrical, illuminated, electronic changing message center or non-illuminated painted message which are all specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.
  • Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural changes. Replacement of the plastic face will be included as an exempt operation, provided that it is due to a change caused by breakage and/or deterioration of the face, but not the substitution of a new or different advertiser.
  • Changes in the content of show window displays and permitted temporary signs.
  • Construction signs denoting a construction project, provided that such signs shall be erected no more than five (5) days prior to the beginning of construction for which a valid building permit has been issued, shall be confined to the site of construction, and shall be removed five (5) days after completion of construction and prior to occupancy.
  • Signs which provide direction or instruction and are located entirely on the property to which they pertain and do not in any way advertise a business and do not exceed four (4) square feet in area.
  • The flags, emblems, or insignia of any nation or political subdivision or corporate flag.
  • Governmental signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service or safety which are erected by or on the order of, a public officer in the performance of his public duty.
  • Signs of a primarily decorative nature, clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday; provided that such signs shall be displayed for a period of not more than sixty (60) consecutive days nor more than sixty (60) days in any one year.
  • House numbers and nameplates not exceeding two (2) square feet in area for each residential building.
  • Signs located within the interior of any building or stadium, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building, and signs for and located within the inner or outer lobby, court or entrance of any theater, that are not visible from the public right-of-way.
  • Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material.
  • Notice bulletin boards not over twenty-four (24) square feet in area for medical, public, charitable or religious institutions where the same are located on the premises of said institution.
  • No trespassing or no dumping signs not to exceed two (2) square feet in area per sign and not exceeding four (4) in number per lot, except that special permission may be obtained from the administrator for additional signs under proven special circumstances.
  • Plaques or nameplate signs not more than two and one-half (2 1/2) square feet in area which are fastened directly to the building.
  • Political or campaign signs on behalf of candidates for public office or measures on election ballots provided that said signs are subject to specific regulations.
  • Official notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties.
  • Signs required or specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.
  • One (1) real estate sign is allowed on any lot or parcel, provided such sign is located entirely within the property to which the sign applies, is not directly illuminated.
  • Signs in the display window of a business use which are incorporated with a display of merchandise or display relating to services offered.
  • Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies, provided that no such symbol, plaque, or identification emblem shall exceed four (4) square feet in area.
  • Temporary signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area pertaining to drives or events of civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations.
  • Signs warning the public of the existence of danger, but containing no advertising material, of a size as may be necessary, to be removed upon subsidence of danger.
  • In any zone, a sign, masonry wall, landscaping and other similar materials or features may be combined to form a display for neighborhood or tract identification.
  • Up to two (2) banners may be permitted on any nonresidential zoned lot, for sixty (60) days per each occasion provided they are attached to either a permitted freestanding sign or to the face of a building.
  • Up to three flags are permitted on any lot denoting any nation, State, political, subdivision, religion, civic or fraternal organization or corporate entity.
  • Streamers shall be permitted in the B-4, B-5 and I-O zoning districts, provided they are placed in a safe, secure and orderly manner.
  • Holiday decorations are exempt from sign code requirements, provided they are placed in a safe and secure manner and do not interfere with the safe and efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Source: other municipal code