# Sign Regulations in Livingston, Tennessee

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Livingston, Tennessee (TN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/tennessee/livingston
- **Data last verified:** 2025-10-30
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/666c884ca705b277b33b195f/t/68ab82cd6ff7e64a935750a8/1756070605392/Livingston+Zoning+Ordinance.pdf#page=18)

## At a glance

Livingston, Tennessee regulates 22 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Ground Sign (General)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 25 ft (maximum height for any sign, including roof signs) tall and 6 sq ft (unless otherwise permitted by this Code), with a Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way in all districts except C-2; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. setback (Sec. 11-203.9.1(e); 11-203.9.4(a), (d), (j); 11-203.9.2(e)). Most commercial signs in Livingston require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 25 ft (maximum height for any sign, including roof signs) | 9 sq ft | — |
| Residential R-1 Districts (Low Density), Residential R-2 Districts (High Density) | 6 | 25 ft | 9 sq ft | — |
| Commercial C-M Districts (Medical), Commercial C-1 Districts (Local), Commercial C-3 Districts (General), Commercial C-4 Districts (Planned), Industrial I-1 Districts (Light), Industrial I-2 Districts (Heavy) | 10 | 25 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Commercial C-2 Districts (Central Business District) | 10 | 25 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Historical H-1 District | 1 | 25 ft (general limit for signs, where applicable) | — | — |
| Floodway F-1 Districts | 1 | 25 ft (general limit for signs, where applicable) | — | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 6 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way in all districts except C-2; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | Not permitted within any public right-of-way or sidewalk; exception: may be in a public right-of-way only if being held by a person (i.e., not placed). | — | 11-203.9.1(b); 11-203.9.4(a), (g), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Off-Premises Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way in all districts except C-2; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | 1 per tax parcel | On private property with property owner's written consent. | — | 11-203.9.1(c); 11-203.9.4(a), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Ground Sign (General) | 25 ft (maximum height for any sign, including roof signs) | 6 sq ft (unless otherwise permitted by this Code) | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way in all districts except C-2; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | Must be permanently attached to a footer or masonry foundation. | — | 11-203.9.1(e); 11-203.9.4(a), (d), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Portable Sign (General) | — | 9 sq ft (unless otherwise permitted by this Code) | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way in all districts except C-2; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | Neither portable nor temporary signs may be placed on any street right-of-way or sidewalk. | — | 11-203.9.1(f); 11-203.9.4(a), (g), (j), (k); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Projecting Sign (General) | — | 6 sq ft (unless otherwise permitted by this Code) | 3 ft lateral projection (unless otherwise permitted by this Code) | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way in all districts except C-2; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | In C-2, may extend over public sidewalk to within 2 ft of the sidewalk’s outer edge; otherwise subject to general clearance and placement rules. | — | 11-203.9.1(g); 11-203.9.4(a), (f), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Government Signs | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 11-203.9.1(h); 11-203.9.4(e) |

### Commercial C-M Districts (Medical), Commercial C-1 Districts (Local), Commercial C-3 Districts (General), Commercial C-4 Districts (Planned), Industrial I-1 Districts (Light), Industrial I-2 Districts (Heavy)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single Exterior Wall) | — | 15% of forward-facing wall area | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection (applies to freestanding placements; wall signs must not impede visibility). | 1 per exterior wall | On exterior building wall(s). | — | 11-203.9.3(a); 11-203.9.4(a), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Wall Sign (Multi-Unit Development Occupants) | — | 15% of occupant's allocated forward-facing wall area | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection (applies to freestanding placements; wall signs must not impede visibility). | 1 per occupant | On exterior building wall(s) in strip centers or similar multi-unit buildings. | — | 11-203.9.3(a)(i); 11-203.9.4(a), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple Exterior Walls) | — | Combined total ≤20% of area of front wall permitted to be used | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection (applies to freestanding placements; wall signs must not impede visibility). | Per exterior wall, subject to combined area limit | On front and side walls. | — | 11-203.9.3(a)(ii); 11-203.9.4(a), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Ground Sign (C & I) | 25 ft | 24 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection; must not impede visibility for pedestrians or drivers. | — | Freestanding; must be permanently attached to a footer or masonry foundation. | — | 11-203.9.3(b); 11-203.9.1(e); 11-203.9.4(a), (d), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Portable Sign (C & I) | — | 12 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | Neither portable nor temporary signs may be placed on any street right-of-way or sidewalk. | — | 11-203.9.3(c); 11-203.9.4(a), (g), (k), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Projecting Sign (C & I) | — | 12 sq ft | 4 ft lateral projection (unless otherwise provided) | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | May not extend over sidewalk except as allowed in C-2; otherwise must comply with clearance and visibility rules. | — | 11-203.9.3(d); 11-203.9.4(a), (f), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Roof Sign (C & I) | 25 ft (measured from ground level) | 24 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | On roof; permitted in C and I districts. | — | 11-203.9.3(e); 11-203.9.4(a), (d), (h), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Off-Premises Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way; at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | 1 per tax parcel | On private property with property owner's written consent. | — | 11-203.9.1(c); 11-203.9.4(a), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |

### Commercial C-2 Districts (Central Business District)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single Exterior Wall) | — | 15% of forward-facing wall area | — | No minimum setback from street right-of-way specified for C-2; all signs must be at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection and must not impede visibility. | 1 per exterior wall | On exterior building wall(s). | — | 11-203.9.3(a); 11-203.9.4(a), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Wall Sign (Multi-Unit Development Occupants) | — | 15% of occupant's allocated forward-facing wall area | — | No minimum setback from street right-of-way specified for C-2; all signs must be at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection and must not impede visibility. | 1 per occupant | On exterior building wall(s) in strip centers or similar multi-unit buildings. | — | 11-203.9.3(a)(i); 11-203.9.4(a), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple Exterior Walls) | — | Combined total ≤20% of area of front wall permitted to be used | — | No minimum setback from street right-of-way specified for C-2; all signs must be at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection and must not impede visibility. | Per exterior wall, subject to combined area limit | On front and side walls. | — | 11-203.9.3(a)(ii); 11-203.9.4(a), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Ground Sign (C-2) | 25 ft | 24 sq ft | — | No minimum setback from street right-of-way specified for C-2; all signs must be at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection and must not impede visibility. | — | Freestanding; must be permanently attached to a footer or masonry foundation. | — | 11-203.9.3(b); 11-203.9.1(e); 11-203.9.4(a), (d), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Portable Sign (C-2) | — | 12 sq ft | — | No minimum setback from street right-of-way specified for C-2; all signs must be at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | Neither portable nor temporary signs may be placed on any street right-of-way or sidewalk. | — | 11-203.9.3(c); 11-203.9.4(a), (g), (k), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Projecting Sign (C-2) | — | 12 sq ft | 4 ft lateral projection | No minimum setback from street right-of-way specified for C-2; all signs must be at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | May extend over the public sidewalk in C-2 District to within 2 ft of the sidewalk’s outer edge. | — | 11-203.9.3(d); 11-203.9.4(a), (f), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Roof Sign (C-2) | 25 ft (measured from ground level) | 24 sq ft | — | No minimum setback from street right-of-way specified for C-2; all signs must be at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | — | On roof; permitted in C-2. | — | 11-203.9.3(e); 11-203.9.4(a), (d), (h), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |
| Off-Premises Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | No minimum setback from street right-of-way specified for C-2; all signs must be at least 10 ft from the corner of any street intersection. | 1 per tax parcel | On private property with property owner's written consent. | — | 11-203.9.1(c); 11-203.9.4(a), (j); 11-203.9.2(e) |

## Prohibited signs in Livingston

- Signs on any vacant lot or parcel of land lying between two residential structures or uses where said structures or uses are less than 100 feet apart, or located within 50 feet of any residential use in the same block frontage (prohibited in all districts).
- Abandoned or obsolete signs, including those on abandoned or vacant buildings (prohibited in all districts).
- Signs painted on or attached to fence posts, trees, rocks, canopy posts, utility poles, and similar supports (prohibited in all districts).
- Billboards (prohibited in all districts).
- Flashing signs (prohibited in all districts).
- Portable or temporary signs placed on any street right-of-way or sidewalk (prohibited in all districts).
- Placement of signs that interferes with or impedes visibility for pedestrians or drivers (prohibited citywide).
- Signs exceeding 25 feet in height from ground level (prohibited citywide).
- Projecting signs installed less than 9 feet above ground level (prohibited citywide).
- More than one sign per side of a sign structure, or more than two signs per sign structure, unless otherwise expressly provided (prohibited citywide).
- Signs placed within 10 feet of the corner of any street intersection (prohibited citywide).
- Signs with electrical wiring that does not conform to the Livingston Municipal Code and state-adopted minimum standards; any nonconforming wiring must be brought into compliance within 90 days.

## Signs exempt from permit in Livingston

- Government signs: no limitations, restrictions, or requirements apply unless otherwise expressly stated.
- Signs not visible off the lot upon which they are situated are permitted in all districts.
- Temporary signs up to 6 square feet, displayed no more than 120 days during any 365-day period; not permitted within any public right-of-way unless held by a person (permitted in all districts).
- One off-premises sign per tax parcel on private property with written owner consent, up to 9 square feet; must be registered with the Codes Inspector at City Hall at no cost or display a date in plain view when set out (permitted in all districts).
- On-premises signs that comply with all requirements of the Code (permitted in all districts).
- Ground signs permanently attached to a footer or masonry foundation not exceeding 6 square feet unless otherwise permitted by the Code (permitted in all districts).
- Portable signs not exceeding 9 square feet unless otherwise permitted by the Code (permitted in all districts).
- Projecting signs not extending more than 3 feet laterally and not exceeding 6 square feet unless otherwise permitted by the Code (permitted in all districts).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A building permit is required for all signs exceeding 6 square feet within the Town of Livingston.
- Permit applications must include plans and specifications identifying the location, type, and design of proposed and existing signs.
- If the Building Inspector finds the application conforms to the sign regulations and the location is not within the Historic District, the Building Inspector may issue the sign permit and will report monthly to the Planning Commission on permits issued.
- Any problems with sign applications must be referred by the Building Inspector to the Planning Commission.
- Applications for signs located within the Historic District must be forwarded to the Historic Commission for review.

## 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 6 zoning districts in Livingston — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Livingston+TN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-livingston

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