Sign Regulations in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 124 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary On-Premises Signs, Community Facility Ground Sign (in Residential Districts), Residential Development Entry Identification Sign (3–15 units) (Ground). 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 Nashville, Tennessee

Sample Sign Requirements in Nashville

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Temporary On-Premises Sign (Single-Family or Duplex Lot)6 ft6 sq ftFront yard/open space per Diagram 17.32.060; 15 ft minimum setback from ROW for signs > 2.5 ft high in districts with a required front setback
Temporary On-Premises Signs (Triplex/Quadruplex Lot)6 ftMax 6 sq ft per sign; 12 sq ft aggregatePer Diagram 17.32.060; 15 ft minimum setback from ROW for signs > 2.5 ft high in districts with a required front setback
Temporary On-Premises Signs (All Other Uses)10 ftUp to 32 sq ft per eligible frontagePer Diagram 17.32.060; 15 ft minimum setback from ROW for signs > 2.5 ft high in districts with a required front setback

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for NashvilleFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

124

  • Temporary On-Premises Signs
  • Community Facility Ground Sign (in Residential Districts)
  • Residential Development Entry Identification Sign (3–15 units) (Ground)
  • Residential Development Entry Identification Sign (16+ units) (Ground) – Double-Sided Perpendicular
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

18

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Nashville

City WebsiteMunicipal Code2 permit application links available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Nashville 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 Nashville, 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 Nashville, regulated sign types include Temporary On-Premises Signs, Community Facility Ground Sign (in Residential Districts), Residential Development Entry Identification Sign (3–15 units) (Ground), Residential Development Entry Identification Sign (16+ units) (Ground) – Double-Sided Perpendicular, 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 Nashville 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 Nashville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Nashville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

AI-Powered Research

Ready to Research Nashville Sign Permits?

Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Nashville, Tennessee sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.

No credit card required · Get results in seconds

Nashville, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance

Nashville, Tennessee regulates 124 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Ground Sign – CN/SCN (Frontage < 50 ft)s in the Commercial Neighborhood (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS) and Shopping Center Neighborhood (SCN, SCN-NS) zoning district are capped at 20 ft tall and 32 sq ft max per sign; 32 sq ft max total all signs, with a min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070) setback (Sec. Table 17.32.110 (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS, SCN, SCN-NS)). Most commercial signs in Nashville require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Nashville, Tennessee

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Nashville (18 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones6Wall signs may not extend above the top of the wall or parapet more than 25% of the height of the sign, to a max of 18 inches for solid panel signs, or 50% of the height of letters for individually mounted lettersUp to 32 sq ft per eligible frontage
Agricultural Districts (AG, AR2a)2Single-family/duplex/triplex/quadruplex: max 6 ft; All other uses: max 10 ft16 sq ft
Single-Family (RS, RS-A) Districts68 ft (ground sign)Up to 32 sq ft on one sign face
One and Two-Family (R, R-A) Districts48 ft32 sq ft (one face)
Multifamily (RM, RM-NS, RM-A, RM-A-NS) Districts58 ft32 sq ft (one face)
Mobile Home Park (MHP) District38 ft6 sq ft (3–15 units); 32 sq ft per entry (16+ units; options for double-sided perpendicular, single-sided parallel, or flared wall with two 16 sq ft signs)
Mixed-Use Neighborhood (MUN, MUN-A, MUN-NS, MUN-A-NS) and Mixed-Use Limited (MUL, MUL-A, MUL-NS, MUL-A-NS)1120 ft192 sq ft
Office Neighborhood (ON), Office Limited (OL), Office General (OG, OG-NS), Office/Residential (OR20, OR20-A, OR20-NS, OR20-A-NS), Office/Residential (OR40, OR40-A, OR40-NS, OR40-A-NS)1120 ft192 sq ft
Commercial Neighborhood (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS) and Shopping Center Neighborhood (SCN, SCN-NS)1120 ft192 sq ft max per sign; 192 sq ft max total all signs
Commercial Limited (CL, CL-A, CL-NS, CL-A-NS) Districts21Up to 50 ft480 sq ft max per sign; 480 sq ft max total all signs
Commercial Service (CS, CS-A, CS-NS, CS-A-NS) Districts2050 ft above average grade of sign foundation, or 30 ft above finished elevation of nearest highway travel lane, whichever is greater480 sq ft max per sign; 480 sq ft max total all signs
Commercial Attraction (CA, CA-NS)980 ft above average grade of sign foundation, or 60 ft above finished elevation of nearest highway travel lane, whichever is greaterMax area per sign 900 sq ft; max total area of all signs 2,000 sq ft (CA district)
Commercial Core Frame (CF, CF-NS)950 ft above average grade, or 30 ft above nearest highway travel lane, whichever greater480 sq ft max per sign; 480 sq ft max total all signs
Shopping Center Community (SCC, SCC-NS)840 ft480 sq ft max per sign; 480 sq ft max total all signs
Shopping Center Regional (SCR, SCR-NS)950 ft above average grade, or 30 ft above nearest highway travel lane, whichever greater480 sq ft max per sign; 480 sq ft max total all signs
Industrial Warehousing/Distribution (IWD), Industrial Restrictive (IR), Industrial General (IG)1150 ft above average grade, or 30 ft above nearest highway travel lane, whichever greater480 sq ft max per sign; 480 sq ft max total all signs
Mixed-Use General (MUG, MUG-A, MUG-NS, MUG-A-NS), Mixed-Use Intensive (MUI, MUI-A, MUI-NS, MUI-A-NS), Office/Residential Intensive (ORI, ORI-A, ORI-NS, ORI-A-NS)1020 ft288 sq ft
Downtown Code (DTC)1

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Nashville(sample of 3 of 18 zones)

Commercial Neighborhood (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS) and Shopping Center Neighborhood (SCN, SCN-NS)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Ground Sign – CN/SCN (Frontage < 50 ft)20 ft32 sq ft max per sign; 32 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS, SCN, SCN-NS)
Ground Sign – CN/SCN (Frontage 50–99 ft)20 ft40 sq ft max per sign; 40 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS, SCN, SCN-NS)
Ground Sign – CN/SCN (Frontage 100–199 ft)20 ft48 sq ft max per sign; 48 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS, SCN, SCN-NS)
Ground Sign – CN/SCN (Frontage 200–299 ft)20 ft64 sq ft max per sign; 64 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS, SCN, SCN-NS)
Ground Sign – CN/SCN (Frontage 300–399 ft)20 ft96 sq ft max per sign; 96 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 2On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS, SCN, SCN-NS)
Ground Sign – CN/SCN (Frontage 400–499 ft)20 ft128 sq ft max per sign; 128 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 3On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS, SCN, SCN-NS)
Ground Sign – CN/SCN (Frontage 500–599 ft)20 ft160 sq ft max per sign; 160 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 3On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS, SCN, SCN-NS)
Ground Sign – CN/SCN (Frontage ≥600 ft)20 ft192 sq ft max per sign; 192 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 3On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CN, CN-A, CN-NS, CN-A-NS, SCN, SCN-NS)

Commercial Limited (CL, CL-A, CL-NS, CL-A-NS) Districts

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Ground Sign – CL/CL-NS (Frontage < 50 ft)40 ft150 sq ft max per sign; 150 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CL, CL-NS)
Ground Sign – CL/CL-NS (Frontage 50–99 ft)40 ft198 sq ft max per sign; 198 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CL, CL-NS)
Ground Sign – CL/CL-NS (Frontage 100–199 ft)40 ft288 sq ft max per sign; 288 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CL, CL-NS)
Ground Sign – CL/CL-NS (Frontage 200–299 ft)40 ft288 sq ft max per sign; 288 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 2On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CL, CL-NS)
Ground Sign – CL/CL-NS (Frontage 300–399 ft)40 ft384 sq ft max per sign; 384 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 2On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CL, CL-NS)
Ground Sign – CL/CL-NS (Frontage 400–499 ft)40 ft480 sq ft max per sign; 480 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 3On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CL, CL-NS)
Ground Sign – CL/CL-NS (Frontage ≥500 ft)40 ft480 sq ft max per sign; 576 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 3On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CL, CL-NS)
Ground Sign – CL-A/CL-A-NS (Frontage < 50 ft)20 ft32 sq ft max per sign; 32 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CL-A, CL-A-NS)

Commercial Service (CS, CS-A, CS-NS, CS-A-NS) Districts

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Ground Sign – CS/CS-NS (Frontage < 50 ft)40 ft150 sq ft max per sign; 150 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CS, CS-NS) §17.32.130.D
Ground Sign – CS/CS-NS (Frontage 50–99 ft)40 ft198 sq ft max per sign; 198 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CS, CS-NS) §17.32.130.D
Ground Sign – CS/CS-NS (Frontage 100–199 ft)40 ft288 sq ft max per sign; 288 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CS, CS-NS) §17.32.130.D
Ground Sign – CS/CS-NS (Frontage 200–299 ft)40 ft288 sq ft max per sign; 288 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 2On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CS, CS-NS) §17.32.130.D
Ground Sign – CS/CS-NS (Frontage 300–399 ft)40 ft384 sq ft max per sign; 384 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 2On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CS, CS-NS) §17.32.130.D
Ground Sign – CS/CS-NS (Frontage 400–499 ft)40 ft480 sq ft max per sign; 480 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 3On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CS, CS-NS) §17.32.130.D
Ground Sign – CS/CS-NS (Frontage ≥500 ft)40 ft480 sq ft max per sign; 576 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 3On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.130D (CS, CS-NS) §17.32.130.D
Ground Sign – CS-A/CS-A-NS (Frontage < 50 ft)20 ft32 sq ft max per sign; 32 sq ft max total all signsFront: min 10 ft for signs >10 ft ground clearance; min 15 ft for signs 2.5–10 ft ground clearance (Figure 17.32.070)Max 1On eligible frontage(s)UnlockTable 17.32.110 (CS-A, CS-A-NS) §17.32.110.C

PermitPal covers all 18 zoning districts in Nashville — 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 Nashville — start free

Prohibited Signs in Nashville

  • It is unlawful to erect, maintain, or cause to be maintained any sign not expressly authorized by, or exempted from, the code (17.32.050).
  • Signs that violate any other code adopted by the metropolitan government (17.32.050.A).
  • Signs or sign structures that interfere with any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe, or that obstruct any window so that required light or ventilation is reduced (17.32.050.B).
  • Signs that resemble or conflict with official traffic signs/signals, or by position, shape, color, movement, content, or illumination could be confused with or conceal a traffic-control device (17.32.050.C).
  • Signs with lighting or control mechanisms that cause unreasonable interference with radio, television, or other communication signals (17.32.050.D).
  • Signs placed upon benches, bus shelters, or waste receptacles, except as authorized by Metropolitan Code 12.48.090 (17.32.050.E).
  • Signs erected on public property, or on private property located on public property (such as private utility poles), other than by public authority for public purposes or as otherwise authorized by the metropolitan council (17.32.050.F).
  • Signs with copy, graphics, or digital displays that change messages by electronic or mechanical means where the display does not remain fixed, static, motionless, and non-flashing for at least eight seconds with instantaneous changes and no special effects (17.32.050.G.1).
  • Sign displays with varying light illumination or intensity, or effects such as blinking, bursting, dissolving, distorting, fading, flashing, oscillating, rotating, scrolling, sequencing, shimmering, sparkling, streaming, traveling, tracing, twinkling, simulated movement, or conveying the illusion of movement (17.32.050.G.3).
  • Video, continuous scrolling messages, and animation signs are prohibited (except in CA and CA-NS districts) (17.32.050.H.1).
  • Signs that incorporate projected images, emit any sound intended to attract attention, or involve the use of live animals (17.32.050.I).
  • Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter such as smoke or steam (17.32.050.J).
  • Signs within ten feet of a public right-of-way or within one hundred feet of traffic-control lights that contain red or green lights that might be confused with traffic-control lights (17.32.050.K).
  • Signs of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians using or entering a public way (17.32.050.L).
  • Blank on-premises temporary signs (17.32.050.M).
  • Wind signs consisting of non-exempt flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers, or captive balloons under ten feet in their greatest dimension, or other objects fastened to move in the wind (17.32.050.O).
  • Signs painted, pasted, or printed on any curbstone, flagstone, pavement, sidewalk, or street, except house numbers and traffic-control signs (17.32.050.P).
  • Signs displaying copy harmful to minors as defined by the code (17.32.050.R).
  • Portable signs as defined by the code (17.32.050.S).

Exempt Signs in Nashville

  • Exempt signs are exempt only if they do not violate visibility requirements in 17.20.180 and do not create hazards by obstructing vision (17.32.040).
  • Regulatory, statutory, traffic control, or directional signs erected on public property with appropriate governmental permission (17.32.040.B).
  • Legal notices and official instruments (17.32.040.C).
  • Holiday lights and decorations (17.32.040.D).
  • Works of art that do not constitute advertising (17.32.040.F).
  • Signs carried by a person when the person does not receive financial compensation (17.32.040.G).
  • Temporary signs up to 12 square feet, up to 120 days prior to an election, removed within 7 days after the election (17.32.040.J).
  • Flags and bunting displayed up to 30 days prior to and removed within 7 days following a celebration, convention, or commemoration event (17.32.040.K).
  • Temporary displays and signs behind storefront windows, not permanently affixed, non-illuminated, covering no more than 25% of the storefront window area (17.32.040.L).
  • Memorial signs or tablets cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials and attached to a building surface (17.32.040.M).
  • Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a manufacturer or distributor (e.g., vending machines, newspaper racks, telephone booths, fee collection boxes, gasoline pumps) (17.32.040.N).
  • Temporary or permanent signs identifying safety or traffic-control measures on private property that meet MUTCD standards and do not exceed 6 square feet per sign (17.32.040.P).
  • Temporary signs not exceeding 6 square feet, limited to one per lot, erected no sooner than 4 days before a yard sale and removed within 2 days after (17.32.040.Q).
  • Temporary signs for events held by a public or nonprofit organization: less than 32 square feet, limited to one on the site, erected no sooner than 14 days before the event and removed within 7 days after (17.32.040.V).
  • On-premises ground or building signs oriented toward a drive-through lane: total sign area not exceeding 60 square feet, maximum height 10 feet, located within 30 feet of the order point (17.32.040.W).
  • Signs located within a building not oriented to be viewed from outside; and signs on a ten-acre lot not visually oriented toward a public right-of-way (17.32.040.X).
  • Signs located on athletic fields, if oriented toward the field of play (17.32.040.Y).
  • Temporary auction signs: allowed no longer than 17 days prior to an auction and removed within 24 hours after; maximum size 24 square feet in residential districts and 32 square feet in all other districts (17.32.040.Z).

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Nashville

  • Permanent on-premises signs are subject to the common signage plan requirements (17.32.070.D.2).
  • All on-premises ground and on-premises building signs must be approved under an overall signage plan in the following districts: MUN/MUN-NS/MUN-A/MUN-A-NS, MUL/MUL-NS/MUL-A/MUL-A-NS, ON, OL, OG/OG-NS, OR20/OR20-NS/OR20-A/OR20-A-NS, OR40/OR40-NS/OR40-A/OR40-A-NS, CN/CN-NS/CN-A/CN-A-NS, CL-A/CL-A-NS, CS-A/CS-A-NS, SCN/SCN-NS (17.32.110.B).
  • All on-premises ground and on-premises building signs must be approved under an overall signage plan in the ORI/ORI-NS/ORI-A/ORI-A-NS, MUG/MUG-NS/MUG-A/MUG-A-NS, and MUI/MUI-NS/MUI-A/MUI-A-NS districts (17.32.120.B).
  • All on-premises ground and on-premises building signs must be approved under an overall signage plan in the CL/CL-NS, CS/CS-NS, CA/CA-NS, CF/CF-NS, SCC/SCC-NS, SCR/SCR-NS, IWD, IR, and IG districts (17.32.130.C).
  • For large sites (improved area of 5 acres or more), informational signs must be shown on the property's common signage plan (17.32.100.B).
  • A single-tenant or multitenant sign may be considered an on-premises sign when located within the boundaries of the same approved master development plan or unified plat of subdivision (17.32.070.D.6).

Source: municode municipal code