Sign Regulations in Maryville, Tennessee
Maryville, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Temporary Sign, Electronic Message Center (EMC) Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: September 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Maryville, Tennessee
Sample Sign Requirements in Maryville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Subdivision/Multi-Family Entrance Sign | 8 ft | 16 sq ft (per side), 32 sq ft (all signs at entrance) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MaryvilleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
16
- Wall Sign
- Temporary Sign
- Electronic Message Center (EMC) Sign
- Freestanding Sign (<200' frontage)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Maryville
Other Cities in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Maryville 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 Maryville, 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 Maryville, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Temporary Sign, Electronic Message Center (EMC) Sign, Freestanding Sign (<200' frontage), 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 Maryville 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 Maryville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Maryville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Maryville, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance
Maryville, Tennessee regulates 16 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (<200' frontage)s in the Business and Transportation District (District-2), High Intensity Commercial District (District-15), High Intensity Retail District (H.I.R.) (District-22) zoning district are capped at 20 ft tall and Single side: up to 50 sq ft; Total: frontage (ft) × 1 sq ft, with a 10 ft minimum from property line setback (Sec. § 14-217(3), (9)(b), (12)(a), (12)(e), (13)(d)). Most commercial signs in Maryville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Maryville, Tennessee
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Maryville (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District (District 1), Single-Family District (District 5), Estate Zone (District 19) | 3 | 8 ft | 16 sq ft (per side), 32 sq ft (all signs at entrance) | — |
| Business and Transportation District (District-2), High Intensity Commercial District (District-15), High Intensity Retail District (H.I.R.) (District-22) | 7 | 20 ft | Single side: up to 100 sq ft; Total: frontage (ft) × 1 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Zone District (District-20, sometimes 'Industrial District') | 4 | 20 ft | 150 sq ft (total; single side max not specified, presume half) | — |
| Central Community District (District-4), Central Business District (District-8), Washington Street Commercial Corridor (District-9), Office Transition Zone (District-10), Heritage Development Zone (District-11), Central Business District Support Zone (District-12) | 4 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per sign face in Central Community District; otherwise as calculated by frontage. | — |
| Environmental Conservation District (District-3), High Density Residential (District-20), Neighborhood District (District-7), Office District (District-6), Institutional Zone (District-21) | 5 | — | 30 sq ft | — |
| College Hill Historic District (District-13), College Hill Historic Overlay District (District-14), Oak Park Historic District (District-16), Oak Park Historic Overlay Zone (District-17) | 2 | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Parkway District | 2 | 10 ft (if has 2 signs per § 14-217(10)(d), else up to 20 ft) | 75 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 3 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Maryville(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Business and Transportation District (District-2), High Intensity Commercial District (District-15), High Intensity Retail District (H.I.R.) (District-22)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (<200' frontage) | 20 ft | Single side: up to 50 sq ft; Total: frontage (ft) × 1 sq ft | — | 10 ft minimum from property line | 1 per development; see § 14-217(10) | On lot; setback min 10 ft from property line. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(3), (9)(b), (12)(a), (12)(e), (13)(d) |
| Freestanding Sign (200' ≤ frontage < 400') | 20 ft | Single side: up to 75 sq ft; Total: frontage (ft) × 1 sq ft | — | 10 ft minimum from property line | 1 per development; see § 14-217(10) | On lot; setback min 10 ft from property line. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(9)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (frontage ≥ 400') | 20 ft | Single side: up to 100 sq ft; Total: frontage (ft) × 1 sq ft | — | 10 ft minimum from property line | 1 per development; see § 14-217(10) | On lot; setback min 10 ft from property line. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(9)(b) |
| Wall Sign | — | Varies by formula and wall size | — | — | — | On wall, parallel and not projecting more than 12 inches. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(8)(d), (f), (12)(c), (13) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | 100 ft from residential structure | 1 per development | Attached to pylon, monument, or wall sign. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(13)(g) |
| Temporary Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 14-217(4)(a), (5) |
| Product Sign (Freestanding or Wall) | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/development | On freestanding sign or building. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(8)(i) |
Central Community District (District-4), Central Business District (District-8), Washington Street Commercial Corridor (District-9), Office Transition Zone (District-10), Heritage Development Zone (District-11), Central Business District Support Zone (District-12)
| 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 | — | Varies by wall and frontage | — | — | — | On wall, not projecting more than 12 inches. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(8)(c), (f), (12), (13) |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per sign face in Central Community District; otherwise as calculated by frontage. | — | 10 ft minimum from property line | 1 per development | On lot, min 10 ft setback. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(9)(c), (12)(a), (12)(e), (13); (8)(c) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | 100 ft from residence | 1 per development | Must be attached to pylon, monument, or wall sign. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(13)(g) |
| Temporary Sign | — | 9 sq ft (except Office Transition Zone: 6 sq ft) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 14-217(4)(a), (5)(a) |
Environmental Conservation District (District-3), High Density Residential (District-20), Neighborhood District (District-7), Office District (District-6), Institutional Zone (District-21)
| 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 | — | Office District: 9 sq ft exemption; Neighborhood/Institutional: 6 sq ft exemption; otherwise 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On wall, parallel, not projecting more than 12 inches. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(4)(a), (8)(b), (8)(g), (13)(g) |
| Freestanding Sign | — | Office District: 9 sq ft; Neighborhood/Institutional: 6 sq ft | — | 10 ft minimum if not exempt | — | On lot; min 10 ft setback. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(4)(a), (12)(a) |
| Temporary Sign | — | Office District: 9 sq ft; Neighborhood/Institutional: 6 sq ft; otherwise as per exemption. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 14-217(4)(a), (5)(a) |
| Changeable Copy/Marquee Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | On premises; marquee over entry apperture. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(8)(g) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | 100 ft from residence | 1 per development | Attached to pylon, monument or wall sign. | — | Unlock | § 14-217(13)(g) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Maryville — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Maryville — start freeProhibited Signs in Maryville
- No off-premises signs, including billboards, are allowed in any district, except those exempted from regulations or from permit requirements and except for existing, grandfathered billboards.
- No sign may be located so that it substantially interferes with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or to enter or exit public streets or private roads.
- Signs that revolve, rotate, are animated, or utilize movement or apparent movement to attract attention are prohibited unless movement is not a primary design feature and is not intended to attract attention to the sign. Exception: signs indicating time, date, or weather conditions.
- No sign may be erected so that by its location, color, size, shape, nature, or message it would tend to obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic signs or other governmental agency signs.
- All freestanding signs must be securely fastened to the ground or a substantial supportive structure to prevent movement by wind or forces of nature.
- No signs are allowed which are written upon, temporarily or permanently placed upon or attached to a motor vehicle or trailer, which advertise the price of any product or service, or advertise special business events or sales. This prohibits using vehicles or trailers as on-premises or off-premises advertising, except for firm name, telephone, address, and principal products/services.
- No signs shall be allowed on any telecommunication tower or antenna.
- Streamers are prohibited.
- Animated signs are prohibited.
- Pennants are prohibited.
- Propellers are prohibited in relation to signs or attention seeking devices.
- Banners are prohibited except as permitted temporary signs.
- Placards are prohibited except as permitted temporary signs.
- Air inflated displays, including air powered displays, are prohibited at all business and commercial locations, except for floats in parades with a city permit or at authorized city events; allowed in residential locations.
- No signs are allowed to exist in the median or right-of-way of any roadway except those authorized by state law or this ordinance. Unauthorized signs may be removed immediately and without notice by the city.
- Neon and bare fluorescent light tubes in any form on the exterior of any building or other structure are prohibited.
- No sign may contain or be illuminated by flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing intensity. Exception: 'time and temperature' displays.
- No unlawful cutting of trees, shrubs or other vegetation for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of any sign is allowed in right-of-ways, on others' property, or in areas where vegetation is required to remain.
- No part of a freestanding ground sign may exceed twenty feet (20') in height.
- No sign attached to a building may project more than twelve inches (12") from the building wall.
- No sign or supporting structure may be located in or over any public right-of-way except as authorized by this ordinance.
- Internally illuminated freestanding signs may not be illuminated during hours that the business or enterprise advertised is not open for business. Exceptions apply.
- No sign within one hundred fifty feet (150') of a residential use may be illuminated between 12:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M., except if the lighting impact is entirely inconsequential beyond the lot.
Exempt Signs in Maryville
- Signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in a residential zoning district, Office Transition District, Institutional District, and Neighborhood District; or not exceeding nine (9) square feet in a downtown district (excluding the Office Transition District), Central Community District, Office District; or sixteen (16) square feet in the Business and Transportation District, High Commercial District, High Intensity Retail District and Industrial District do not require a permit.
- Signs erected by or on behalf of, or pursuant to, the authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and informational signs, traffic, directional, or regulatory signs do not require a permit.
- Official non-commercial signs erected by public utilities do not require a permit.
- Flags, pennants, or insignia of any government do not require a permit.
- Integral, decorative, or architectural features of buildings or works of art, so long as such features or works do not contain letters, trademarks, or moving parts, do not require a permit.
- Directory signs do not require a permit.
- Signs painted on, or otherwise permanently attached to, currently licensed motor vehicles that are not primarily used as signs do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Maryville
- In the case of a lot occupied or intended to be occupied by multiple business enterprises (e.g., a shopping center), a master sign plan is required. Sign permits will be issued in the name of the individual business enterprise requesting a particular sign. Signage allocation per each business enterprise will be determined based on the amount of store frontage (business to business).
Source: other municipal code