Sign Regulations in Johnson City, Tennessee
Johnson City, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 21 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Business Identification), Freestanding Sign (Business Identification), Freestanding Sign (Ground Sign). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Johnson City, Tennessee
Sample Sign Requirements in Johnson City
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Non-profit Organizations, R-2) | — | 2 square feet | — |
| Freestanding/Identification Sign (Recreational Clubs, R-2 Special Exception) | — | 12 square feet | — |
| Wall Sign (Non-profit Organizations, R-2A) | — | 2 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
27
- Wall Sign (Business Identification)
- Freestanding Sign (Business Identification)
- Freestanding Sign (Ground Sign)
- Wall Sign (Public Utility Stations, Government Buildings, Churches, Day-care Centers, Schools)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
21
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Johnson City
Other Cities in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Johnson City 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 Johnson City, 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 Johnson City, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Business Identification), Freestanding Sign (Business Identification), Freestanding Sign (Ground Sign), Wall Sign (Public Utility Stations, Government Buildings, Churches, Day-care Centers, Schools), 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 Johnson City 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 Johnson City are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Johnson City has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Johnson City, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance
Johnson City, Tennessee regulates 27 sign types across 21 zoning districts. Wall Sign (Non-profit Organizations, R-2)s in the R-2 Low Density Residential District zoning district are capped at 2 square feet (Sec. Section 6.2.1.4(C)). Most commercial signs in Johnson City require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Johnson City, Tennessee
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Johnson City (21 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1 Low Density Residential District | 1 | — | — | — |
| R-2 Low Density Residential District | 2 | — | 12 square feet | — |
| R-2A Low Density Residential District | 2 | — | 12 square feet | — |
| R-2B Low Density Residential District, R-2C Low Density Residential District | 2 | — | 12 square feet | — |
| R-3 Medium Density Residential District, R-4 Medium Density Residential District | 2 | — | 12 square feet | — |
| R-5 High Density Residential District, R-6 High Density Residential-University District | 2 | — | 12 square feet | — |
| RP-2 Planned Residential District, RP-3 Planned Residential District, RP-4 Planned Residential District, RP-5 Planned Residential District | 2 | — | 12 square feet | — |
| RM-3 Manufactured Home Park District, RM-4 Manufactured Home Park District, RM-5 Manufactured Home Park District | 1 | — | — | — |
| RO-1 High Density Residential-Professional Office District, RO-2 Medium Density Residential-Professional Office District | 2 | — | Not specified; likely small identification only | — |
| MS-1 Medical Services District | 1 | — | — | — |
| B-1 Neighborhood Business District, PB Planned Business District | 2 | — | Not specified; refer to Article VII, Sign Regulations | — |
| B-2 Central Business District | 2 | — | Not specified; refer to Section 7.3.3 | — |
| B-3 Supporting Central Business District | 1 | — | See B-2; refer Article VII; typically same as B-2 | — |
| B-4 Planned Arterial Business District, B-5 Planned Community Business District | 2 | — | Not specified; see Article VII | — |
| I-1 Light Industrial District, I-2 Heavy Industrial District | 2 | — | Not specified; refer to Article VII | — |
| A-1 Agricultural District | 1 | — | Not specified | — |
| BP Business Park District, RTP Research/Technology Park District | 2 | — | Not specified; refer to Article VII, Sign Regulations | — |
| MX Mixed Use District, MX-1 Mixed Use Neighborhood District | 2 | — | Not specified; refer to Article VII | — |
| HCZO Historic/Conservation Overlay District | 1 | — | Not specified; determined by Historic Zoning Commission | — |
| CO Corridor Overlay District, GO Gateway Overlay District, DO Design Overlay District, HVO Highway Vista Overlay District | 1 | CO/GO/DO: 30 feet; HVO: 10 feet | 200 square feet | — |
| WWD West Walnut Street District | 2 | — | See B-2/Section 7.3.3, as adopted | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Johnson City(sample of 3 of 21 zones)
R-2 Low Density Residential District
| 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 (Non-profit Organizations, R-2) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 | Attached to the principal building | — | Unlock | Section 6.2.1.4(C) |
| Freestanding/Identification Sign (Recreational Clubs, R-2 Special Exception) | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 | At recreational facility | — | Unlock | Section 6.2.2.2(E) |
R-2A Low Density Residential District
| 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 (Non-profit Organizations, R-2A) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 | Attached to principal building | — | Unlock | Section 6.3.1.1, see also 6.2.1.4(C) |
| Freestanding/Identification Sign (Recreational Clubs, R-2A Special Exception) | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 | At recreational facility | — | Unlock | Section 6.3.2.1, see also 6.2.2.2(E) |
R-2B Low Density Residential District, R-2C Low Density Residential District
| 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 (Non-profit Organizations, R-2B/R-2C) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 | Attached to principal building | — | Unlock | Section 6.4.1.1, 6.5.1.1, see also 6.2.1.4(C) |
| Freestanding/Identification Sign (Recreational Clubs, R-2B/R-2C Special Exception) | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 | At recreational facility | — | Unlock | Section 6.4.2.1, 6.5.2.1, see also 6.2.2.2(E) |
PermitPal covers all 21 zoning districts in Johnson City. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Johnson City
- In the CO (Corridor Overlay) district, the following uses are prohibited: adult-oriented businesses, transmission tower structures, manufactured home sales, salvage and/or junk yards.
- In the HVO (Highway Vista Overlay) district, tower structures are prohibited.
- In the DO (Design Overlay) district, the following uses are prohibited: adult-oriented businesses, transmission tower structures, auto repair as a primary use, manufactured home sales, self-service storage as a primary use, and salvage and/or junk yards.
- In the GO (Gateway Overlay) district, the following uses are prohibited: adult-oriented businesses, transmission tower structures, manufactured home sales, and salvage and/or junk yards.
- In all overlay districts (CO, HVO, DO, GO), single-family and two-family land uses are exempt from overlay provisions.
- In A-1 Agricultural zone, approval from the city health officer is required for the raising of animals, fowl, and poultry.
- Within manufactured home parks (RM-3, RM-4, RM-5 districts), cabanas and similar enclosed structures are prohibited.
- Manufactured homes in manufactured home parks may not be used for commercial, industrial, or other non-residential uses within the park.
- In manufactured home parks, trailers that cannot be connected to a sanitary sewer line are prohibited.
- In overlay districts such as DO, unpainted concrete block, shiny/galvanized corrugated metal, or vinyl siding may not be visible from designated streets.
- Use of searchlights, laser source lights, or any similar high intensity light for advertising purposes is prohibited in overlay districts (CO, DO, GO).
- In R-1, R-2, and similar residential districts, driveways and parking are prohibited in the front yard for certain uses (e.g., child care homes).
Exempt Signs in Johnson City
- Single-family and two-family land uses are exempt from the provisions of the Corridor Overlay District (CO), Highway Vista Overlay District (HVO), Design Overlay District (DO), and Gateway Overlay District (GO).
- Development that is not visible from the specified street due to natural topographical features is exempt from building facade requirements in certain overlay districts (CO, DO, GO).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Johnson City
- In manufactured home parks, each park shall be permitted a sign as described in Article VII, Sign Regulations.
- For planned developments (RP, RM districts), application for rezoning must be accompanied by a Concept Plan; substantial deviations require amended plan approval.
- For MX and MX-1 Mixed Use districts, development requires a Concept Plan and a Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), and any significant deviation must be resubmitted for approval.
- Each application for rezoning requests in several districts (e.g., RO-1, RO-2, B-4, PB, MS-1, RTP, GO, MX, MX-1) must be accompanied by five sets of a concept plan as described in Article XIV, Subsection 14.3.1 (or applicable section). Review and approval follow processes described in zoning code.
- Overlay districts often require submission of architectural building elements and/or elevations in conjunction with plans for site plan approval (Article V).
- In the B-4, B-5, PB districts, any subdivision of land shall be accompanied by a site plan that addresses multiple design and utility factors.
- Historic/Conservation Overlay Districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness for construction, demolition, or alteration, which may include review of sign appropriateness.
- In the UPO (University Parkway Overlay) district, nonresidential rezonings require a special public meeting prior to Planning Commission public hearing.
- In the DO, CO, GO overlays, architectural elements must be submitted with the site plan for review and approval.
- For new development and redevelopment in several non-residential districts (e.g., B-4, B-5, I-1, I-2, BP, RTP), site plan approval is required according to Article V.
Source: municode municipal code