Sign Regulations in Manchester, Tennessee
Manchester, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 91 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Sign Types - General Standards, Exempt Sign - Address and Name of Resident, Exempt Sign - Artwork. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 28, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Manchester, Tennessee
Sample Sign Requirements in Manchester
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Sign - Address and Name of Resident | — | 3 sq ft | — |
| Exempt Sign - On-site Directional Sign | — | 4 sq ft | Minimum 5 ft from any property line. |
| Exempt Sign - Governmental/Organization Flags, Emblems, Insignia, Banners | 25 ft (flagpoles) | 60 sq ft per flag; if total over 72 sq ft, excess counts toward lot sign area | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ManchesterFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
91
- All Sign Types - General Standards
- Exempt Sign - Address and Name of Resident
- Exempt Sign - Artwork
- Exempt Sign - Construction Hazard Warning
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
18
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Manchester
Other Cities in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Manchester 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester, regulated sign types include All Sign Types - General Standards, Exempt Sign - Address and Name of Resident, Exempt Sign - Artwork, Exempt Sign - Construction Hazard Warning, 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 Manchester 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 Manchester are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Manchester has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Manchester, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance
Manchester, Tennessee regulates 91 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Temporary Sign - Special Event Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 ft (Table 2) – also described as not exceeding 6 ft in text tall and 16 sq ft (total area of all such signs), with a 5 ft minimum (Table 2) setback (Sec. § 14-516(3)(b)(i); § 14-516(7); Table 2 (Special Event Signs)). Most commercial signs in Manchester require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Manchester, Tennessee
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Manchester (18 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 36 | 25 ft (flagpoles) | 60 sq ft per flag; if total over 72 sq ft, excess counts toward lot sign area | — |
| Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5) | 8 | 8 ft | 100 sq ft (sign face only; fascia/fence not counted) | — |
| Commercial districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5) | 8 | 35 ft (standard max); may be subject to Table 3 electric-line limits | 32 sq ft | — |
| Industrial districts (I-1, I-2) | 6 | 50 ft above elevation of pavement nearest sign; min 10 ft from ground to bottom of sign face; also subject to Table 3 line‑clearance limits | 675 sq ft maximum display surface area | — |
| Floodway district (F-1) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned commercial district | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic zoning overlay district | 1 | — | — | — |
| Central business district (C-1) | 3 | 35 ft (subject to electric‑line limits) | See formula | — |
| Highway service district (C-2) | 3 | 35 ft; up to 125 ft for highway commercial uses at named I‑24 interchanges | See formula | — |
| General commercial district (C-3) | 3 | 35 ft (subject to Table 3 and ** note where applicable) | See formula | — |
| Neighborhood service business district (C-4) | 3 | 35 ft | See formula | — |
| Office/professional service district (C-5) | 3 | 35 ft | See formula | — |
| Light industrial district (I-1) | 3 | 35 ft; up to 125 ft at particular interchanges if industrial use qualifies | See formula | — |
| General industrial district (I-2) | 3 | 35 ft; up to 125 ft at eligible interchanges | See formula | — |
| Residential districts (Signs Permitted in Residential Districts) | 3 | 8 ft | Within 100 sq ft site total for residential/commercial facility signs per Table 1 | — |
| Commercial and industrial districts (Permitted Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts) | 2 | 50 ft overall; min 10 ft from ground to bottom of sign; subject to electric‑line limits | 675 sq ft max display area | — |
| Central business district signs (C-1) | 1 | Must have 10 ft minimum clearance over grade when projecting. | See formula | — |
| Commercial and industrial district signs (C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, I-1, I-2) | 3 | 35 ft standard; up to 125 ft in certain highway/industrial interchange locations | See formula | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Manchester(sample of 3 of 18 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign - Special Event Sign | 6 ft (Table 2) – also described as not exceeding 6 ft in text | 16 sq ft (total area of all such signs) | — | 5 ft minimum (Table 2) | 2 per event | On premises; cannot be in public right‑of‑way or in any location impairing visibility of motoring public. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(3)(b)(i); § 14-516(7); Table 2 (Special Event Signs) |
| Temporary Sign - Temporary Farm Products Sign | 6 ft (Table 2 shows 5 ft min setback, 6 ft height) | 16 sq ft (total for all such signs) | — | 5 ft minimum (Table 2) | 2 | On premises where farm products sold. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(3)(b)(ii); Table 2 (Temporary Farm Products Signs) |
| Temporary Sign - Construction Project Sign (General Rule) | 6 ft in § 14-516(3)(b)(iii); Table 2 lists 8 ft – use 8 ft as maximum as more recent table likely controls | 32 sq ft | — | 6 ft minimum (Table 2) | 1 | On construction site after commencement of building construction or site development. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(3)(b)(iii); Table 2 (Construction Signs) |
| Temporary Sign - Auction Sign (On-site and Directional) | 6 ft | 16 sq ft per sign | — | 5 ft minimum (Table 2) | Max 1 per lot; max 5 per event overall | On lots directing public to auction site; not placed to obstruct motorists’ vision or detriment business functions. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(3)(b)(iv); Table 2 (Auction signs) |
| Temporary Sign - Political Sign (Commercial and Industrial Districts) | 6 ft | 16 sq ft (total of all such signs on lot) | — | 5 ft minimum (Table 2) | 2 | On premises in commercial or industrial districts. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(3)(a)(xiii); Table 2 (Political Signs, with note that section (*) only applies to signs in commercial and industrial districts) |
| Temporary Sign - Political Sign (All Zones - General Table 2 Entry) | 6 ft | 16 sq ft (Table 2) | — | 5 ft minimum | 2 | On premises in allowed zones. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Political Signs) |
| Temporary Sign - Real Estate Sign (Table 2 Entry) | 6 ft | Residential: 16 sq ft; Commercial/Industrial: 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum | 1 | On premises being sold/leased. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Real Estate (**)) |
| Temporary Sign - Special Event Sign (Table 2 Entry) | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum | 2 | On premises. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Special Event Signs (*)); § 14-516(7) |
Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Individual Lot Sign - Attached (Wall or Projecting) | Ground floor (mounted on ground floor level of building) | 6 sq ft | — | N/A (building-mounted) | 1 per lot | Attached to principal structure (wall or projecting) at ground floor. | — | Unlock | Table 1 (Residential/individual lot – Attached (wall or projecting)) |
| Residential Complex or Subdivision Entrance Sign - Ground | 8 ft | 100 sq ft (sign face only; fascia/fence not counted) | — | 8 ft minimum (Table 1: minimum setback 8 ft) | 2 per subdivision (entrances); 2 per complex (per Table 1 max number = 2) | At major/main entrance to residential complex or subdivision; located on private property or in a median if present. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(5)(b), (c); Table 1 (Residential complex or subdivision entrance – Ground); Table 1 note (***) |
| Residential / Commercial Community Facility - Wall Sign | Ground floor | 100 sq ft (combined max for wall+ground at site) | — | N/A (building-mounted) | N/A (not explicitly limited for wall in Table 1) | On wall of principal building (ground floor). | — | Unlock | § 14-516(5)(a); Table 1 (Residential/commercial facility – Wall) |
| Residential / Commercial Community Facility - Ground Sign | 6 ft | 100 sq ft (site total for wall + ground) | — | 8 ft minimum | 1 | On site for community facility in residential district. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(5)(a); Table 1 (Residential/commercial facility – Ground) |
| Temporary Sign - Signs in Residential Districts (Residential Use) | 5 ft | 32 sq ft (total) | — | 6 ft minimum | 3 | Within residential districts; min 6 ft setback. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Signs in Residential Districts) |
| Temporary Political Sign - Residential Districts | 6 ft | 16 sq ft (per Table 2 row for Political Signs) | — | 5 ft minimum | 2 | On premises in residential districts; min 5 ft setback. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(3)(a)(xiii); Table 2 (Political Signs, noting general applicability across zones but lighting rule restricts illumination in residential) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign - Residential Districts | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum | 1 | On premises being leased or sold; min 5 ft setback. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(3)(a)(xiv); Table 2 (Real Estate (**)) |
| Temporary Yard Sale Sign - Residential Districts | 5 ft | 9 sq ft | — | 6 ft minimum | 1 | In or near residential area for yard sale; min 6 ft setback. | — | Unlock | § 14-516(3)(a)(xvi); Table 2 (Yard Sale Signs) |
Commercial districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Wall Sign - C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5 | Ground floor (for C-2–C-5 per Table 1); not specified for C-1 attached signs beyond projection height rules. | See formula (applies to all permanent on‑site signs for lot in given district category) | — | N/A (building-mounted) | Not numerically limited; constrained by area formula. | Building‑mounted on wall of principal building. | — | Unlock | Table 1 (Central business district/C-1 – Attached; Commercial and industrial districts/C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, I-1, I-2 – Wall); § 14-516(6)(a)(i), (iii); § 14-516(6)(b)(i), (iii) |
| Commercial Ground Sign - C-1 | 6 ft | See formula | — | 8 ft minimum generally; in C-1, Table 1 shows “0 ft (C-1, 6' into ROW)” for attached signs; ground sign row lists 8 ft. For safety, ground signs must respect right‑of‑way limitations and visibility rules § 14-516(4)(a)(iii)-(iv). | 1 per street frontage (*) | On premises along street frontage; may be located at property line in C-1 with projection up to 6 ft into public right‑of‑way but not closer than 2 ft to curb/edge of pavement; must clear grade by at least 10 ft if projecting sign (this mainly for projecting, not ground). | — | Unlock | Table 1 (Central business district/C-1 – Ground); § 14-516(6)(a)(ii)-(iii); Table 1 note (+), (++) |
| Commercial Pole Sign - C-1 | 35 ft (standard max); may be subject to Table 3 electric-line limits | See formula | — | 8 ft minimum | 1 per street frontage (*) | On premises along street frontage; min 8 ft setback. | — | Unlock | Table 1 (Central business district/C-1 – Pole); § 14-516(6)(a)(iii); Table 1 notes (*), (++) |
| Commercial Ground Sign - C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5 | 6 ft | See formula | — | 8 ft minimum | 1 per street frontage (*), plus 1 additional by special exception (+++) | On premises along street frontage; min 8 ft setback. | — | Unlock | Table 1 (Commercial and industrial districts – Ground(+)); § 14-516(6)(b)(i), (iii); Table 1 notes (+), (++) , (+++) |
| Commercial Pole Sign - C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5 | 35 ft normally; up to 125 ft for highway commercial at specified Interstate interchanges | See formula | — | 8 ft minimum | 1 per street frontage (*) | On premises; min 8 ft setback. | — | Unlock | Table 1 (Commercial and industrial districts – Pole); Table 1 note (**), (++) , (*); § 14-516(6)(b)(iii) |
| Temporary Sign - Portable Sign (Commercial Use) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 6 ft minimum | 1 | On premises; minimum 6 ft setback; not in residential districts. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Portable Signs); § 14-516(4)(e)(xi); § 14-516(7)(a)-(b) |
| Temporary Banner - Commercial Districts | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per banner | — | 10 ft minimum | 2 | On commercial premises; 10 ft minimum setback. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Banners (*)); § 14-516(2)(t) |
| Temporary Inflatable - Commercial Districts | 8 ft | Not specified | — | 25 ft minimum | 1 | On commercial premises; 25 ft minimum setback. | — | Unlock | Table 2 (Inflatables); § 14-516(2)(ii) |
PermitPal covers all 18 zoning districts in Manchester — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 18 zones for Manchester — start freeProhibited Signs in Manchester
- No sign, except for those specified as exempt in § 14-516(3)(a), shall be erected until a permit has been obtained in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance.
- No sign shall resemble or approximate the size, shape, form, or color of any official traffic control sign, signal, or device.
- No sign shall 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 any corner lot no sign shall be erected or placed in a manner to impede or obstruct vision between a height of two and one-half (2 1/2) and ten (10) feet above the center line grades of the intersecting streets in the area bounded by the street lines of such corner lots and a line joining points along said street lines fifty (50) feet from the point of the intersection or as directed by the enforcing officer if more restrictive covenants are warranted.
- No sign other than duly authorized governmental signs shall be erected or maintained within any public street right-of-way.
- No sign shall be painted on or attached to any trees, rocks, fence posts, utility poles, or similar structures or objects.
- No sign shall obstruct any doorway, window, or fire escape.
- The light from any illuminated sign shall be so directed, shaded, or shielded that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises nor affect in any way the safe vision of operators of moving vehicles, and light shall not be permitted to shine or reflect on or into any residential structure.
- Any sign that is lighted shall comply with the National Electrical Code.
- Any sign that is abandoned, deteriorated, unsafe, or not otherwise identified as defined in this zoning ordinance is prohibited in all districts and is illegal.
- Any sign which is painted on or attached to a vehicle or a vehicular trailer is prohibited unless such vehicle is in operable condition, carrying all current and valid licenses, and used primarily for the transportation of goods and/or persons in the everyday and ordinary course of business of the owner thereof.
- Signs made structurally sound by guy wires or unsightly bracing are prohibited in all districts.
- Signs which contain any kind of strobe or pulsating lights are prohibited in all districts; this prohibition does not apply to electronic display board signs.
- Animated signs are prohibited in all districts.
- Any sign with direct illumination provided by exposed bulbs or lamps is prohibited in all districts.
- Off-premise (off-site advertising) signs are prohibited in all districts except as expressly permitted in § 14-516(6)(b)(vi).
- Flashing signs are prohibited in all districts.
- Handtacked signs on utility poles, fence posts, and trees are prohibited in all districts.
- Roof signs are prohibited in all districts.
- Portable signs that are movable, portable, or designed to be portable and mounted on wheels or legs of any kind are prohibited in all districts, except for those advertising fireworks sales or special events.
- Temporary signs shall not be illuminated except in commercial or industrial districts.
- No temporary sign shall flash or pulsate in any way.
- All temporary signs shall be set back at least the minimum distance summarized in Table 2, and no temporary graphic shall overhang or encroach on any street right-of-way at any time.
- The minimum distance between any two temporary signs on the same lot shall be one hundred fifty (150) feet.
- No temporary signs shall be closer than fifty (50) feet from any permanent sign.
- Signs required to be permitted and located near electric lines must comply with height limitations based on distance to electric lines as established by Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (Table 3); signs not meeting these limitations are not allowed.
- Nonconforming portable and handtacked signs and signs in a public right-of-way must be removed within forty-five (45) days.
- Nonconforming flashing or animated signs must cease flashing or animation within forty-five (45) days.
Exempt Signs in Manchester
- Address and name of resident signs indicating address and/or name of residential occupants of the premises, not exceeding three (3) square feet in area, and not including any commercial advertising or identification, are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Artwork that does not include any commercial messages or references is exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Temporary signs warning of construction, excavation, or similar hazards, displayed so long as the hazard may exist, are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Decals affixed to windows or door glass panes, such as those indicating membership in a business group or credit cards accepted at the establishment, are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- On-site directional signs for the convenience of the public, not exceeding four (4) square feet in area and not located closer than five (5) feet to any property line, including those internally lit or illuminated, are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Flags, emblems, insignia, and banners of any governmental agency or religious, charitable, public or nonprofit organization are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit, subject to: no single flag exceeding sixty (60) square feet; no more than three (3) such flags per zoning lot; if total area exceeds seventy-two (72) square feet, excess area must be included in sign area calculations; flagpoles not exceeding twenty-five (25) feet in height; wall-mounted flags/emblems/insignia/banners limited to two (2) per zoning lot and not exceeding sixty (60) square feet in area.
- Handicapped parking space signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area reserving parking spaces for handicapped motorists are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Home occupation on-premise identification signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, containing only the name of the business and/or business owner, and located on an exterior wall, window, or door of the premises are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Portable 'A' frame signs that are movable or designed to be portable in the shape of an 'A' frame, not permanently affixed to the ground or buildings, that do not negatively affect ADA compliance on public walkways and are removed daily are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Public signs erected by governmental agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification signs for public facilities, and any signs erected by or under the direction of the board of mayor and aldermen are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Seasonal signs in the nature of decorations that are seasonal, clearly incidental, and customarily associated with any national, local, or religious holiday are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Security and warning on-premise signs regulating the use of the premises, such as 'no trespassing,' 'no hunting,' and 'no soliciting' signs, that do not exceed two (2) square feet in residential areas and five (5) square feet in commercial and industrial areas are exempt from this chapter or from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- On-premises temporary political signs, subject to the stated time, number, height, and area limits, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Temporary real estate signs indicating the availability of real property for lease or sale, located on the premises being leased or sold, subject to the stated number, height, and area limits and removal upon settlement or lease, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
- Yard sale signs indicating the location of and direction to a residential yard sale event, subject to the standards referenced in Table 2, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Manchester
- No general master sign plan requirement is stated in this section; individual sign permits are required for all signs except those listed as exempt in § 14-516(3)(a).
- Temporary signs in the category 'Temporary signs requiring approval' (§ 14-516(3)(b)) may be erected only after approval from the enforcing officer, which functions as a permit/approval requirement rather than a master sign plan.
- A permit is required for all non-exempt signs: 'No sign except for those specified in § 14-516(3)(a) shall be erected until a permit has been obtained in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance.'
- For signs with neon lighting attached to a building or other structure, an electrician licensed with the State of Tennessee is required, permits must be obtained through Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, and the electrical work must be inspected by the State Electrical Inspector.
- The location of signs requiring permits must be approved by Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) as part of the permit process when those signs are located near electric lines; sign height must comply with DREMC criteria in Table 3.
- For signs designed and/or fabricated by an individual or organization not associated with a professional sign company, the sign design and details, including construction materials, must be approved by the planning commission or its appointed representative prior to issuing a sign permit.
- Any alteration of a nonconforming or noncomplying sign is subject to conditions in § 14-516(8)(b), and a new conforming sign and permit are required when a new business takes possession of an existing facility with a non-active business; this serves as a project-level sign approval requirement but not a formal master sign plan.
- Temporary sign permit requirements, including when a temporary sign permit is required and associated fees, are summarized in Table 2; a $25 fee must be paid prior to issuance of a temporary sign permit.
Source: other municipal code