Sign Regulations in Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 35 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Projecting Sign (General), Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign (Attached ≤18-inch projection), Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign (Detached >18-inch projection). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 29, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Memphis, Tennessee
Sample Sign Requirements in Memphis
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign (General) | — | — | May project to within 2 feet of curb line; no projection more than 6 feet into required front yard. |
| Supplemental Wayfinding Sign | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — |
| Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic) | — | Video/electronic message board elements ≤200 sq ft portion of sign (not applicable to permanent off-premise signs). | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MemphisFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
35
- Projecting Sign (General)
- Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign (Attached ≤18-inch projection)
- Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign (Detached >18-inch projection)
- Supplemental Wayfinding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Memphis
Other Cities in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Memphis 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 Memphis, 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 Memphis, regulated sign types include Projecting Sign (General), Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign (Attached ≤18-inch projection), Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign (Detached >18-inch projection), Supplemental Wayfinding Sign, 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 Memphis 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 Memphis are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Memphis has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Memphis, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance
Memphis, Tennessee regulates 35 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Wall Sign (Attached – Residential Uses)s in the Open Districts (P, OS, FW, CA, CIV); Residential Districts (R-MP, R-E, R-15, R-10, R-8, R-6, R-3, RU-1, RU-2, RU-3, RU-4, RU-5); Residential Work (RW) zoning district are capped at Height governed by district building height allowances for attached signs. tall and 12 sq ft or 12 sq ft/acre; cap 32 sq ft., with a setback not applicable; detached sign setbacks do not apply to attached signs. setback (Sec. 4.9.7B(1)-(2),(4)(a),(5),(6); 4.9.4A(8)). Most commercial signs in Memphis require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Memphis, Tennessee
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Memphis (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 5 ft | Video/electronic message board elements ≤200 sq ft portion of sign (not applicable to permanent off-premise signs). | — |
| Central Business Improvement District (CBID); South Central Business Improvement District (SCBID); Uptown District (U) | 2 | Not to exceed maximum height permitted for detached signs in the district where located; special interstate/interchange height rules apply per 4.9.7. | Up to 672 sq ft (along U.S. Interstates). | — |
| University District Overlay (UDO) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Open Districts (P, OS, FW, CA, CIV); Residential Districts (R-MP, R-E, R-15, R-10, R-8, R-6, R-3, RU-1, RU-2, RU-3, RU-4, RU-5); Residential Work (RW) | 6 | Minor: 10 ft; Connector: 10 ft; Arterial: 16 ft; Controlled access road: 24 ft. | Video/electronic message board elements ≤200 sq ft portion of sign (not applicable to permanent off-premise signs). | — |
| Office General (OG) | 4 | 16 ft measured from final grade to top of sign. | Per general changeable copy standards (≤200 sq ft changeable copy portion of sign; does not apply to off-premise signs). | — |
| Commercial Mixed Use Districts (MU, CMU-1, CMU-2, CMU-3, CBD, CMP-1, CMP-2); Industrial Districts (EMP, WD, IH) | 7 | Per Table 2 by sign zone and street type; additional interchange rules near controlled access interchanges. | 672 sq ft along U.S. Interstates. | — |
| Sign Zone 1 (Inside the Parkway) | 2 | Minor: 8 ft; Connector: 15 ft; Arterial: 20 ft; Controlled Access: 25 ft. | Minor: 35 sq ft; Connector: 100 sq ft; Arterial: 300 sq ft; Controlled Access: 300 sq ft. | — |
| Sign Zone 2 (Inside the Interstate Loop) | 2 | Minor: 8 ft; Connector: 15 ft; Arterial: 35 ft; Controlled Access: 40 ft. | Minor: 50 sq ft; Connector: 150 sq ft; Arterial: 350 sq ft; Controlled Access: 350 sq ft. | — |
| Sign Zone 3 (Memphis & Unincorporated County) | 2 | Minor: 20 ft; Connector: 35 ft; Arterial: 40 ft; Controlled Access: 55 ft. | Minor: 50 sq ft; Connector: 200 sq ft; Arterial: 400 sq ft; Controlled Access: 400 sq ft. | — |
| Sign Zone 4 (Highway Interchanges) | 2 | Maximum height as permitted by the district; plus interchange allowance identical to detached sign allowance for one sign oriented to and visible from controlled access road travel lanes within 1,500 ft of interchange. | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Memphis(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
Open Districts (P, OS, FW, CA, CIV); Residential Districts (R-MP, R-E, R-15, R-10, R-8, R-6, R-3, RU-1, RU-2, RU-3, RU-4, RU-5); Residential Work (RW)
| 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 (Attached – Residential Uses) | Height governed by district building height allowances for attached signs. | 12 sq ft or 12 sq ft/acre; cap 32 sq ft. | — | Attached signs: setback not applicable; detached sign setbacks do not apply to attached signs. | Residential uses: 1 attached or 1 detached per frontage per lot. | On building faces; attached. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7B(1)-(2),(4)(a),(5),(6); 4.9.4A(8) |
| Wall Sign (Attached – Nonresidential Uses) | Height governed by district building height allowances for attached signs. | 12 sq ft or 12 sq ft/acre; cap 32 sq ft. | — | — | Nonresidential uses: No more than 1 attached and 1 detached per frontage per lot; sites abutting collectors/arterials may have 1 attached and 1 detached for every 300 ft of frontage along said road. | On building faces; attached. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7B(1)-(2),(4)(b),(6),(7); 4.9.4A(8) |
| Detached Sign (Residential Uses) | 5 ft for signs 12 sq ft or less; 12 ft for signs greater than 12 sq ft. | 12 sq ft or 12 sq ft/acre; cap 32 sq ft. | — | Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way; signs greater than 12 sq ft may not be located within 50 ft of adjacent Residential District or residential portion of PD unless attached; general lot line/ROW setbacks per 4.9.6C. | Residential uses: 1 attached or 1 detached per frontage per lot. | Detached on the lot in permitted locations. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7B(1)-(6); 4.9.6M |
| Detached Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | 5 ft for signs 12 sq ft or less; 12 ft for signs greater than 12 sq ft. | 12 sq ft or 12 sq ft/acre; cap 32 sq ft. | — | Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way; signs greater than 12 sq ft may not be located within 50 ft of adjacent Residential District or residential portion of PD unless attached; general lot line/ROW setbacks per 4.9.6C. | No more than 1 attached and 1 detached per frontage per lot; sites abutting collectors/arterials may have 1 attached and 1 detached for every 300 ft of frontage along said road. | Detached on the lot in permitted locations. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7B(1)-(6); 4.9.6M |
| Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic – Nonresidential Uses Only) | — | Video/electronic message board elements ≤200 sq ft portion of sign (not applicable to permanent off-premise signs). | — | — | — | As permitted by 4.9.6E. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7B(1); 4.9.6E |
| Complex Sign (Neighborhood/Project/Government/School) | Minor: 10 ft; Connector: 10 ft; Arterial: 16 ft; Controlled access road: 24 ft. | Minor/Connector streets: 30 sq ft; Arterial: 50 sq ft; Controlled access road: 100 sq ft. Monument signs for a project/complex containing a government use or school: Minor/Connector: 64 sq ft; Controlled access road: 176 sq ft. | — | Minimum 10 ft setback unless attached to a wall or fence. | 1 per frontage; up to 2 per frontage of 600 ft or more. | On the periphery of the complex. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7B(9)(a)-(h) |
Office General (OG)
| 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 (Attached – OG) | Maximum height of attached signs regulated by the district. | 35 sq ft per sign for each face of building; if placement is above 35 ft in height, 50 sq ft per sign. | — | Attached signs: setback not regulated. | 1 per ground floor establishment; +1 per non-ground floor establishment. | On building façade, awning, canopy or marquee. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7C(2)(a),(4)(a),(5)(c),(6) |
| Detached Sign (OG) | 16 ft measured from final grade to top of sign. | 35 sq ft per sign. | — | No minimum setback for detached signs ≤10 ft in height; minimum 10 ft setback from right-of-way for signs >10 ft height; no sign >12 sq ft in area shall be located within 50 ft of an adjacent residential district or residential PD portion unless attached. | 1 detached sign per frontage per lot. | Detached on the lot in permitted locations. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7C(2)(b),(5)(d),(6); 4.9.6M |
| Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic – OG) | — | Per general changeable copy standards (≤200 sq ft changeable copy portion of sign; does not apply to off-premise signs). | — | — | — | As permitted within OG (changeable copy signs referenced in 4.9.7C(7)). | — | Unlock | 4.9.7C(7); 4.9.6E |
| Integrated Center Sign (OG) | Per Table 2 by sign zone and street type. | Per Table 2 by sign zone and street type (Minor, Connector, Arterial, Controlled Access). | — | No integrated center sign shall be located within 50 ft of a Residential District or Open District, or equivalent residential portion of a planned development. | 1 per frontage up to 600 ft of the integrated center; +1 additional integrated center sign for each additional 400 ft of each road frontage. | For integrated centers in OG that contain 3 or more zoning lots, have ≥2 acres, and have shared parking or shared access; or meet requirements of Item 4.9.7E(3)(a). | — | Unlock | 4.9.7E(2)(c)(ii),(d)-(h) |
Commercial Mixed Use Districts (MU, CMU-1, CMU-2, CMU-3, CBD, CMP-1, CMP-2); Industrial Districts (EMP, WD, IH)
| 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 (Attached – Non-OG/RW Mixed Use and Industrial) | Maximum height regulated by the district. | Not regulated. | — | Attached signs: minimum setback not regulated. | Per building type: Standalone (5, cap per façade; +4 in large industrial); Shopping centers (1 per establishment per façade; +3 fuel canopy signs for gas sellers); Office buildings (1 per ground floor establishment per façade; +1 rooftop per façade). | On building façades, awnings, canopies or marquees. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7D(1),(4)(a) |
| Roof Sign | Must meet height restrictions of the zoning district. | — | — | — | — | On roof; permitted in these districts. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7D(1) |
| Detached Sign (Ground/Pole/Post/Pylon – Non-OG/RW Mixed Use and Industrial) | Per Table 1 and Sign Zone; Zone 4 (interchanges) maximum height as permitted by district with additional interchange rules. | Per Table 1 (Minor, Connector, Arterial, Controlled Access) and Sign Zone (1,2,3). | — | Detached signs ≤10 ft height: no minimum setback; >10 ft height: minimum 10 ft setback from ROW; no sign within 50 ft of Open/Residential district. | Per frontage length: up to 599 ft: 1; 600–899 ft: 2; 900–1199 ft: 3; ≥1200 ft: 4 plus one additional sign for every 300 ft of frontage over 1200 ft. | Detached on the lot; oriented to frontage street; special orientation rules for controlled access interchange within 1,500 ft. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7D(2)(b)(1)-(2),(3)-(5); Table 1 |
| Projecting Sign (Detached Classification) | — | — | — | See location_of_sign. | — | May project to within 2 ft of curb; not more than 6 ft into required front yard; clearance ≥8 ft above sidewalk. | — | Unlock | 4.9.6J |
| Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic – Non-OG/RW Mixed Use and Industrial) | — | ≤200 sq ft changeable copy portion of sign (not applicable to permanent off-premise signs). | — | — | Counts toward attached/detached limits where applicable. | Permitted in these districts. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7D(1); 4.9.6E |
| Integrated Center Sign (Mixed Use and Industrial) | Per Table 2 by sign zone and street type; additional interchange rules near controlled access interchanges. | Per Table 2 by sign zone and street type (Minor, Connector, Arterial, Controlled Access). | — | No integrated center sign within 50 ft of a Residential or Open District or equivalent residential portion of a PD. | 1 per frontage up to 600 ft; +1 additional per 400 ft of each road frontage. | Within integrated centers in these districts; may span multiple lots but sign area computed as if center were one lot. | — | Unlock | 4.9.7E(2)-(h); Table 2 |
| Off-Premise Sign (Where Permitted within these districts) | Max detached sign height for the district (see Table 1 and 4.9.7); interchange provisions apply. | 672 sq ft along U.S. Interstates. | — | ≥20 ft from ROW and/or ≥100 ft from emergency shoulder; ≥100 ft from any residential property or residential PD portion. | 1 per eligible site; spacing 1,000–2,000 ft depending on technology. | Allowed only in CMU-3, CBD, EMP, IH; within 300 ft of a U.S. Interstate; oriented toward U.S. Interstate; legal access from a non-interstate public street/easement. | — | Unlock | 4.9.8(A)-(J) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Memphis — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Memphis — start freeProhibited Signs in Memphis
- Bench signs are prohibited in all districts.
- Permanent off-premise signs are prohibited except as expressly allowed under Section 4.9.8.
- Signs erected or painted upon a fence, tree, standpipe, rock, or other natural feature are prohibited, except where certain signs are expressly allowed on fences under Section 4.9.7.
- Signs attached to or painted on a fire escape or utility pole are prohibited, except a manufacturer’s or installer’s ID plate not legible from more than three feet and signs that meet City/County utility pole installation policy.
- Signs that contain flashing or intermittent illumination are prohibited, except where expressly allowed in accordance with Sub-Section 4.9.6E.
- Portable signs are prohibited except as allowed under Sub-Section 4.9.6L.
- Signs that produce sound or noise; cause interference with radio, telephone, television or other communication transmissions; produce or reflect motion pictures; or emit visible smoke, vapor, particles, or odor are prohibited. A sign on which the message is changed electronically not more than once every eight seconds is not considered animated and is classified as a changeable copy sign.
- Window graphics that exceed the dimensions provided in Paragraph 4.9.2D(9) are prohibited.
- Rope lighting along the exterior of a structure or along the perimeter of any window, or within three feet of the interior of any window, is prohibited and must be removed; no nonconforming status is afforded.
- No sign shall be maintained where, by reason of its position, size or shape, it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of or be confused with any traffic control sign, signal or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
- No detached sign may be located in any clear sight triangle, except signs allowed under Paragraphs 4.9.2D(1), (2) or (3).
- No sign or sign structure shall obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door or other required access way.
- No sign shall project over, occupy or obstruct any window surface required by any technical code for light or ventilation.
- No sign legible from any public right-of-way may utilize: exposed incandescent lamps over 60 watts (unless a dimmer or sun screen is attached), any revolving beacon light, or luminance in excess of 350 foot-lamberts measured at the sign face.
- No sign shall extend into any right-of-way except projecting signs where a building is located within six feet of the right-of-way.
- On-site signs that are animated, flash, move, or simulate movement are prohibited except as allowed under Sub-Section 4.9.6E.
- Installing or erecting any sign requiring a permit without such permit is prohibited.
- Installing, creating, or erecting any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zoning lot is prohibited.
- Failing to remove any sign installed, created, erected, or maintained in violation of this chapter, or for which the sign permit or annual license has lapsed, is prohibited; each day of a continued violation is a separate violation.
- Any private sign installed or placed on public property that does not conform to this chapter shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation.
Exempt Signs in Memphis
- Interior signs not visible or legible from the public right-of-way or from other properties are exempt from this Chapter.
- Signs not visible from a public right-of-way, public property, or private property other than the lot on which the sign is located are exempt; if local conditions change making the sign visible, it must comply and a permit is required.
- Signs with a sign surface less than 4 square feet and less than 4 feet in height (if freestanding), not separately lighted, and not legible from the public right-of-way or other properties are exempt.
- MUTCD-conforming signs bearing no commercial message are exempt from permit requirements (subject to other standards).
- Signs bearing no commercial message installed by City/County/state/federal employees or officials in the course of governmental duties are exempt from permit requirements (subject to other standards).
- Historic markers and neighborhood identification signs bearing no commercial message erected within the public right-of-way with approval of the pertinent public entities are exempt from permit requirements (subject to other standards).
- Signs required by a state or federal statute are exempt from permit requirements (subject to other standards and any expressly required deviations).
- Signs required by a court order are exempt from permit requirements (subject to other standards and any expressly required deviations).
- Signs installed by public utilities in their rights-of-way or on their facilities bearing no commercial message other than identification of the utility and the use are exempt from permit requirements (subject to other standards).
- Signs installed by a transit company along its routes that relate to schedules or other information about the transit route are exempt from permit requirements (subject to other standards).
- Address identification signs are allowed without a sign permit.
- Detached signs not larger than 6 square feet in area and not taller than 4 feet with no commercial message (e.g., “Enter” or “Exit” signs) are allowed without a sign permit.
- Detached signs smaller than 7 square feet otherwise allowed in residential zoning districts are allowed without a sign permit.
- Wall signs containing no commercial message and not larger than 4 square feet are allowed without a sign permit.
- Temporary holiday decorations used to celebrate a single holiday or season that contain no commercial message are allowed without a sign permit.
- Signs or tablets with the names of buildings and date of erection, cut into masonry/inlaid or constructed of bronze or other incombustible material, not exceeding 6 square feet and not separately illuminated, are allowed without a sign permit.
- Gravestones without commercial messages in lawful cemeteries or graveyards are allowed without a sign permit.
- Flags without commercial messages are allowed without a sign permit, must be flown in accordance with 36 U.S.C. 173–178, are limited to four flags per zoning lot, and flagpole height is governed by the maximum sign height of the district.
- Window graphics are allowed without a permit if no more than 25% of each window is covered by signs attached to the inside of the window; vacant commercial windows may be 100% covered by an interior screen/covering, with any commercial message limited to images/logos identifying the owner/lessor and occupying no more than 15% of the screen/covering area.
- Changing the advertising copy or message on an existing compliant sign (including electronic message centers within allowed change frequency) is allowed without a permit; changing sign technology is not exempt.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural alterations is allowed without a permit.
- Installation of permanent signs smaller than 6 square feet that contain no commercial message and involve no electrical installation is allowed without a permit where such signs are permitted.
- Installation of temporary signs not larger than 32 square feet is allowed without a permit where such signs are permitted.
- Signs on gasoline pumps, vending machines, and similar sales/dispensing devices are allowed without a permit if the signs do not flash and either are not legible from any public right-of-way, public property or other properties, or consist entirely of letters less than four inches in height; all other signs on such devices are regulated.
- Menu boards or instructional/informational devices for drive-through or drive-up facilities are allowed without a permit when less than 25 square feet and with any legible off-site wording limited to “menu,” “directory,” “instructions,” “information,” or similar non-commercial identifiers; larger or electrified boards or those with legible commercial messages off-site require a sign permit.
- Scoreboards located inside permitted athletic fields are allowed without a permit.
- Any sign allowed under this Chapter may contain any lawful noncommercial message in lieu of other copy, provided it complies with size, height, area and other requirements (noncommercial message substitution is always permitted).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Memphis
- No master sign plan requirement is identified in Section 4.9; signage is managed through permits, licenses, and district standards.
- Administrative site plan review is required for one sign height exception on properties within 1,500 feet of a controlled access road/arterial interchange that do not have controlled access frontage, if the criteria in 4.9.7D(5)(3)(a–d) are met.
- Administrative site plan review is required for integrated center signs near controlled access/arterial interchanges without controlled access frontage under 4.9.7D(8)(g)(iii), if the listed criteria are met.
- Complex signs may use creative design styles via administrative deviation (4.9.7B(9)(f)).
- Variance pathway: signs may be granted a variance by the Board of Adjustment; any sign granted a variance may be continued despite nonconformity (4.9.15C). During enforcement, if a sign is not removed or brought into compliance within the set time, a summons is issued unless properly appealed to the Board of Adjustment (4.9.15G(7)).
- Off-premise automatic changeable copy video signs that require a Tennessee Department of Transportation permit must obtain the state permit before applying for the building permit (4.9.8E(3)).
Source: other municipal code