Sign Regulations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Murfreesboro, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 67 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Development ID Sign (Freestanding Wall), Canopy Sign (Attached), Flag Signs (Ground- or Wall-Mounted). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 4, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Sample Sign Requirements in Murfreesboro
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Attached) | Mounted on ground level floor | Up to 40 sq ft (based on 3 sq ft/lf of building frontage) | N/A |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) | 16 ft | 40 sq ft | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥8 ft from power lines |
| Freestanding Wall Sign (Monument) – Option 1 (In lieu of Ground Sign) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft display surface | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥8 ft from power lines |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MurfreesboroFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
67
- Development ID Sign (Freestanding Wall)
- Canopy Sign (Attached)
- Flag Signs (Ground- or Wall-Mounted)
- Wall Sign (Attached) – Single Occupant
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Murfreesboro
Other Cities in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
In Murfreesboro, wall signs can be up to Mounted on ground level floor and monument signs are limited to 16 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Murfreesboro, 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 Murfreesboro, regulated sign types include Development ID Sign (Freestanding Wall), Canopy Sign (Attached), Flag Signs (Ground- or Wall-Mounted), Wall Sign (Attached) – Single Occupant, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Murfreesboro, monument signs typically require a ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥8 ft from power lines setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Murfreesboro are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Murfreesboro has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Murfreesboro, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance
Murfreesboro, Tennessee regulates 67 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Wall Signs (Attached) – Single Tenants in the CH, H-I, L-I, CF zoning district are capped at 24 ft max if within 200 ft of a residential zone; otherwise no explicit height cap stated tall, Per sign: up to 150 sq ft (or 100 sq ft if within 42 ft of ROW); Aggregate per building face: 100/150/200/250/300 sq ft by setback band; Exception aggregate up to 450 sq ft if all conditions met, and Each sign width ≤ 75% of building frontage to which attached wide, with a N/A setback (Sec. Section 25.2-26(C)(4)(b)[2] [aa–ee] and Exception (i–iv)). Most commercial signs in Murfreesboro require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Murfreesboro (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS, RD, RM-12, RM-16, RM-22, R-MO, RZ, PRD | 11 | 35 ft (flagpole) | Up to 40 sq ft (based on 3 sq ft/lf of building frontage) | — |
| OG, CM, CL, CU, P, CM-R, CM-RS-8, PND | 8 | 35 ft (flagpole) | Up to 100 sq ft per sign (based on 3 sq ft/lf of frontage) | — |
| Central Business District (CBD) | 7 | 50 ft (ground); 20 ft (wall vertical); 16 ft (wall outrigger) | ≤150 sq ft per flag; ≤230 sq ft total per lot | — |
| CH, H-I, L-I, CF | 13 | 50 ft (ground); 20 ft (wall vertical); 16 ft (wall outrigger) | Greater of 350 sq ft or 15% of that exterior wall surface | — |
| PCD, PID, PUD, BP, GDO-1, GDO-2, GDO-3, GDO-4 | 15 | 50 ft (ground); 20 ft (wall vertical); 16 ft (wall outrigger) | ≤150 sq ft per flag; ≤230 sq ft total | — |
| PS District | 1 | As specified in the approved MSP | As specified in the approved MSP | — |
| MU | 1 | Not specified in this subsection (subject to PSO and host sign limits) | Not specified in this subsection (subject to PSO and host sign limits) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 19 | 120 ft | Greater of 350 sq ft or 15% of that exterior wall | — |
| H-I, L-I, P (Large Ground-Mounted Flag Sign on Lots ≥20 acres) | 1 | 150 ft (flagpole) | Up to 4,000 sq ft (flag length ≤ 1/3 pole height and ≤ 80 ft) | — |
| CH, H-I, L-I (Off-Site Permanent Signs) | 1 | 50 ft | 775 sq ft | — |
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Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Murfreesboro(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
CH, H-I, L-I, CF
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development ID Sign (Freestanding Wall) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft per sign | — | N/A | 2 per Development entrance | At Development entrances | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(4)(a) |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – Single Tenant | 16 ft (if within 200 ft of residential); otherwise 25 ft | Up to 150 sq ft (75 sq ft + 1 sq ft per lf over 100 ft) | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥8 ft from power lines | 1 per lot | On-site, ground-mounted | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(4)(b)[1] |
| Freestanding Wall Sign (Monument) – Single Tenant (Option) | 16 ft | 75 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft ROW; ≥8 ft power lines | Up to 2 per lot | On-site entrances or frontage | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(4)(b) (Freestanding wall option) |
| Wall Signs (Attached) – Single Tenant | 24 ft max if within 200 ft of a residential zone; otherwise no explicit height cap stated | Per sign: up to 150 sq ft (or 100 sq ft if within 42 ft of ROW); Aggregate per building face: 100/150/200/250/300 sq ft by setback band; Exception aggregate up to 450 sq ft if all conditions met | Each sign width ≤ 75% of building frontage to which attached | N/A | Up to 3 per building | Attached to building facade(s) | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(4)(b)[2] [aa–ee] and Exception (i–iv) |
| Flag Signs (Ground- or Wall-Mounted) | 50 ft (ground); 20 ft (wall vertical); 16 ft (wall outrigger) | ≤150 sq ft per flag; ≤230 sq ft total | — | ≥20 ft from ROW; ≥8 ft from power lines | Up to 3 per lot | On-site | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(4)(b)[5] |
| Canopy Sign (Attached) | ≤24 ft (if within 200 ft of residential); otherwise ≤25 ft | 50 sq ft per canopy side | — | N/A | 1 per side; max 3 | Attached to vertical side of qualifying canopy | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(4)(b)[6] |
| Tenant Wall Signs – Multi-Tenant (Separate Outside Entrances) | 24 ft max if within 200 ft of a residential zone; otherwise not specified | Per sign up to 150 sq ft (or 100 sq ft if within 42 ft of ROW); aggregate per wall 100/150/200/250/300 sq ft by band; exception aggregate up to 300 sq ft with conditions | Per sign width ≤75% of tenant frontage | N/A | 1 per tenant (2 allowed with qualifying criteria) | Attached to each tenant’s exterior wall(s) | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(4)(c)[2] |
| Tenant Wall Signs – Multi-Tenant (Common Outside Entrance) | 24 ft max if within 200 ft of residential zone | Per sign up to 150 sq ft (or 100 sq ft if within 42 ft of ROW); aggregate per face 100/150/200/250/300 sq ft; exception up to 300 sq ft with conditions | Per sign ≤75% of frontage | N/A | Up to 2 per building (owner approval required) | Attached to building with shared entrances | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(4)(d)[2] |
PCD, PID, PUD, BP, GDO-1, GDO-2, GDO-3, GDO-4
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building ID Sign (2+ Stories) | At or near top of the exterior wall | Within 100 ft ROW: ≤75 sq ft; >100–≤200 ft: ≤100 sq ft; >200–≤400 ft: ≤125 sq ft; >400 ft: ≤150 sq ft (and in all cases also ≤1.5 sq ft/lf of that wall) | — | N/A | 1 per exterior wall (max 4) | Attached near top of building exterior walls | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(5)(c)[2][i], [3][i], [4][i], [5][i], [6][i] (2+ stories cases) |
| Building ID Sign (6+ Stories) | At or near top of the exterior wall | Within 100 ft ROW: ≤100 sq ft; >100–≤200 ft: ≤125 sq ft; >200–≤400 ft: ≤150 sq ft; >400 ft: ≤200 sq ft (and in all cases also ≤1.5 sq ft/lf) | — | N/A | 1 per exterior wall (max 4) | Attached near top of exterior walls | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(5)(c)[2] (six or more stories variants repeated in [3], [4], [5], [6]) |
| Canopy Sign (Attached) | 24 ft | 50 sq ft per canopy side | — | N/A | 1 per side; up to 4 per site | Attached to vertical side of qualifying canopy | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(5)(c)[1][iii], [2][iii], [3][iii], [4][iii], [5][iii], [6][iii] |
| Complex Sign (Freestanding Wall) – Single Building, Single Tenant | 16 ft | 60 sq ft per sign | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥8 ft from power lines | 1 per eligible frontage | At eligible street frontages (≥100 lf) | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(5)(c)[1][vi] |
| Complex Sign (Freestanding Wall) – Single Building, Multiple Tenants (Separate Entrances or Common Entrances) | 16 ft | 100 sq ft per sign | — | ≥5 ft ROW; ≥8 ft power lines | 1 per eligible frontage | At eligible street frontages (≥100 lf) | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(5)(c)[2][vi] and [3][vi] |
| Tenant Signs – Major Tenant Space (Separate Outside Entrance) | ≤24 ft if within 200 ft of residential zone | Per sign: up to 100/125/150/200 sq ft by band (and ≤1.5 sq ft/lf); aggregate per wall: 150/175/200/250 sq ft by band | Each sign width ≤75% of tenant wall length | N/A | Up to 3 per wall; 4 per tenant total | Attached to major tenant exterior wall(s) | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(5)(c)[2][xv] and [4][xv] |
| Tenant Signs – Minor Tenant Space (Separate Outside Entrance) | ≤24 ft if within 200 ft of residential zone | Per sign ≤75 sq ft (and ≤1.5 sq ft/lf); aggregate across tenant walls ≤100 sq ft | Per sign width ≤75% of tenant wall | N/A | 1 per tenant (2 allowed with qualifying criteria) | Attached to tenant’s exterior wall(s) | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(5)(c)[2][xvi] and [4][xvi] |
| Tenant Signs – All Tenants Sharing Common Outside Entrances | ≤24 ft if within 200 ft of residential zone | Per sign: up to 100/125/150/200 sq ft (and ≤1.5 sq ft/lf); aggregate per wall: 150/175/200/250 sq ft by band | Each sign width ≤75% of wall length | N/A | Up to 3 per exterior wall; 4 per building total | Attached to building with shared entrances | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(5)(c)[3][xiv] and [4][xvii] |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional Group Assemblies (≥5 acres) – Development ID Sign (Freestanding Wall) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft per sign | — | N/A | 2 per entrance | At vehicular entrances to the Institutional Group Assembly site | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(7)(a) |
| Institutional Group Assemblies – Attached Wall Signs | Ground level floor | Up to 75 sq ft per sign (3 sq ft/lf) | — | N/A | Up to 3 per building | Attached to building frontage | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(7)(b) |
| Institutional Group Assemblies – Complex Identification | (A) 16 ft; (B) 8 ft | (A) 60 sq ft; (B) 40 sq ft each | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥8 ft from power lines | (A) 1 per lot; or (B) up to 2 per lot | Frontage or entrance locations | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(7)(c) |
| Institutional Group Assemblies – Permanent Flag Signs | 50 ft (ground); 20 ft (wall vertical); 16 ft (wall outrigger) | ≤150 sq ft per flag; ≤230 sq ft total | — | ≥20 ft from ROW; ≥8 ft from power lines | Up to 3 per lot | On-site | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(7)(f) |
| Institutional Group Assemblies – Building Entry Sign | 12 ft | 10 sq ft | — | N/A | 1 per primary entrance | At/near primary pedestrian entrance doors | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(7)(h) |
| Institutional Group Assemblies – Routing Signs | 8 ft | 10 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥8 ft from power lines | 1 per intersection | Inside the site at directional decision points | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(7)(i) |
| Wall-Mounted Flagpoles (All Districts that allow ground-mounted flagpoles) | 20 ft (vertical wall-mounted); 16 ft (outrigger) | Flag ≤40 sq ft | — | N/A (projection limits apply) | Not specified; governed by district flag sign allowances | Mounted to building wall | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-26(C)(8) |
| Temporary Signs – Sandwich Board (A-Frame) | 3 ft | 6 sq ft per face (double-faced allowed) | — | ≥1 ft from ROW; CBD sidewalk: maintain 5-ft ADA clear zone | 1 per lot | On-site near storefront; CBD: on sidewalk adjacent to site | — | Unlock | Section 25.2-25(C)(8) |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Murfreesboro — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Murfreesboro — start freeProhibited Signs in Murfreesboro
- Signs that imitate, interfere with, obstruct, or can be confused with authorized traffic-control signs/signals, or that carry words like STOP or DANGER, or that obscure official traffic signs
- Any sign or illumination that causes direct glare into any building other than the one to which the sign is accessory
- Roof signs and signs painted on a roof
- Signs attached or affixed to trees, other living vegetation, or utility poles
- Signs placed in or over a public right-of-way, except as required/installed by a governmental authority
- Permanent signs (or parts of them) consisting of banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or similar moving/fluttering devices (limited exception for small on-site balloons; temporary new-business banner exception only as stated)
- Revolving or rotating signs
- Signs incorporating any noisy mechanical device
- Signs displaying obscene matter (as defined in the ordinance)
- Signs that interfere with or obscure warning or instructional signs
- Electrical lights/fixtures attached to signs that are not installed per the National Electrical Code
- Any sign or its support/foundation placed in or over a dedicated street, highway, or sidewalk
- Advertising signs on trash receptacles or benches
- Signs constructed from painted or unpainted tires; exposed razor or barbed wire; or wood, metal, or plastic pallets
- Banners across any public street
- Signs containing false, misleading, or deceptive information
- Placement of any sign or its support within a public utility or drainage easement without written consent of the easement holder(s) and written approval by the Chief Building Official
- Murals on a front wall or elevation
- Any sign placed on private property without the written consent of the property owner, or on public property/ROW without written consent of the public authority
- Signs (or supports) that obstruct or interfere with doors, windows, fire escapes, means of egress, light, or ventilation, or that obscure pedestrian/vehicular views so as to endanger safe movement
- Signs advertising a terminated activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted on the premises (subject to the limited vacancy allowance)
- Cutting/damaging/trimming/destroying vegetation to improve sign visibility in ROWs or on others’ property without required authorization
- Use of window frame perimeter lighting (continuous strips outlining window panes) is prohibited in all zones
- Changeable signs: multi-vision, electronic graphic display, and video display signs are prohibited in all zoning districts; any type of changeable sign that flashes is prohibited in all zoning districts (except where specifically allowed in § 25.2-26(C)(8))
- Vehicle or trailer signs used as parked advertising visible from the ROW where the apparent purpose is to display a message are prohibited (see § 25.2-25(D)(19))
Exempt Signs in Murfreesboro
- Governmental traffic-control signs and devices erected by a governmental agency
- Graphics/materials on City-owned buildings or other objects placed on City-owned property (subject to building/electrical permits if otherwise required)
- Scoreboards and related components at athletic fields oriented toward the field of play (subject to permits if required)
- Informational, directional, and other signs oriented internal to City parks (subject to permits if required)
- Public art
- Murals on side or rear walls (front-elevation murals are prohibited)
- No sign permit required for any flag sign; a separate flagpole permit is required for flagpoles except on lots lawfully used for single-family or two-family residential use
- Enter/Exit signs up to 5 sq ft and 4 ft overall height allowed without a sign permit/fee (min. 1 ft from ROW; may include a logo; illumination allowed with electrical permit)
- Convenience signs up to 3 sq ft allowed without a sign permit/fee (min. 1 ft from ROW; may include a logo; illumination allowed with electrical permit)
- Temporary signs allowed without a sign permit/fee, subject to § 25.2-25
- Governmental signs allowed without a sign permit/fee
- Window signs that comply with § 25.2-23(C) allowed without a sign permit/fee
- Vehicle signs that are not prohibited by §§ 25.2-24 or 25.2-25 are allowed without a sign permit/fee
- Equipment/machinery signs up to 2 sq ft per linear foot of the side to which attached allowed without a sign permit/fee
- Permanent window signs installed prior to adoption of the window sign rules are exempt from § 25.2-23(C)
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Murfreesboro
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| All sign permits (when work starts before permit issuance) | 100% of Permit Fee | Sec. 25.2-20(K) |
| Standard Review | …approve or deny the application within ten working days after a complete and compliant application is received. (starts when Complete and compliant sign permit application received by Building & Codes) | Sec. 25.2-20(C) |
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Source: municode municipal code