# Sign Regulations in Ripley, Tennessee

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Ripley, Tennessee, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Ripley, Tennessee (TN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/tennessee/ripley
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.cityofripleytn.com/pdfs/zoning_ordinance.pdf#page=18)

## At a glance

Ripley, Tennessee regulates 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Business Identification Sign - Option 1 (Single)s in the B-1 (Neighborhood Business), B-5 (Fringed Commercial), M-1 (Light Industrial) zoning district are capped at Not specified for freestanding; must not exceed building height limits of the zoning district (general rule). tall and 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides, with a 10 ft from roadway edge; 3 ft from sidewalk edge; ground signs must meet building setback requirements of the property zoning. setback (Sec. Section J.3.A(1)-(4); Section J.3.I(2); Section J.3.I(1)(d); Section 9). Most commercial signs in Ripley require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| B-1 (Neighborhood Business), B-5 (Fringed Commercial), M-1 (Light Industrial) | 7 | 8 ft | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — |
| B-3 (Central Business), B-4 (Impact Commercial) | 6 | 8 ft | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — |
| B-2 (General Business), M-2 (Heavy Industrial) | 10 | 8 ft | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — |
| H-1 (Hospital) | 4 | 8 ft | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — |
| R-1 (Low Density Residential), R-2 (High Density Single-Family Residential) | 4 | 8 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 10 ft | Up to 150 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 6 zones)

### B-1 (Neighborhood Business), B-5 (Fringed Commercial), M-1 (Light Industrial)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Business Identification Sign - Option 1 (Single) | Not specified for freestanding; must not exceed building height limits of the zoning district (general rule). | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — | 10 ft from roadway edge; 3 ft from sidewalk edge; ground signs must meet building setback requirements of the property zoning. | Only one freestanding business identification sign per business (single configuration). | Minimum 10 ft from edge of any highway, street, or road; minimum 3 ft from edge of any sidewalk; cannot be on or extend over the public right-of-way; must not interfere with traffic or pedestrian vision or safety. | — | Section J.3.A(1)-(4); Section J.3.I(2); Section J.3.I(1)(d); Section 9 |
| Business Identification Sign - Option 2 (Double Sign on One Support) | Not specified for overall structure; must not exceed building height limits of the zoning district (general rule). | Top sign: 75 sq ft; Lower sign: 30 sq ft | — | 10 ft from roadway edge; 3 ft from sidewalk edge. | Two sign panels (top and lower) allowed on one support. | Minimum 10 ft from edge of any highway, street, or road; minimum 3 ft from edge of any sidewalk; cannot be on or extend over the public right-of-way; must not interfere with traffic or pedestrian vision or safety. | — | Section J.3.A(2)-(3); Section J.3.I(2); Section J.3.I(1)(d); Section 9 |
| Business Identification Sign (Ground Sign variant) | 5 ft above ground elevation | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — | Meet building setback requirements of the zone. | Only one ground business identification sign per business (unless using Double Sign option on a freestanding support). | Must meet building setback requirements for the property zoning. | — | Section J.3.A(5); Section J.3.A(2) |
| Attached Business Sign (Wall) | — | ≤25% of wall face area | — | — | One per building face. | Affixed to wall or parapet; extends <12 inches; lowest point must maintain clearance per general codes (no obstruction of exits/ventilation). | — | Section J.3.B(1)-(2); Section J.3.I(1)(b)-(c), (j); Section 9 |
| Awning/Canopy Sign (Attached) | — | Subject to attached sign limit (≤25% of wall face) | — | — | Counts as the attached sign on that building face. | On awning/canopy projecting from and supported by exterior wall. | — | Section J.3.B(3); Section 9 |
| Real Estate Sign - Primary (Commercial/Industrial zones) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Must meet zone building setback requirements. | One per road frontage. | Subject to building setback requirements of the zoning district. | — | Section J.3.H(1), (3)-(4) |
| Real Estate Sign - Additional (Multi-Unit Development) | 8 ft | 10 sq ft per additional sign | — | Must meet zone building setback requirements. | One additional per unit in multi-unit developments. | Subject to building setback requirements of the zoning district. | — | Section J.3.H(2)-(4) |

### B-3 (Central Business), B-4 (Impact Commercial)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Business Identification Sign - Option 1 (Single) | Not specified for freestanding; must not exceed building height limits of the zoning district (general rule). | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — | 10 ft from roadway edge; 3 ft from sidewalk edge; ground signs must meet building setback requirements of the property zoning. | Only one freestanding business identification sign per business. | Minimum 10 ft from edge of any highway, street, or road; minimum 3 ft from edge of any sidewalk; cannot be on or extend over the public right-of-way; must not interfere with traffic or pedestrian vision or safety. | — | Section J.3.A(1)-(5); Section J.3.I(2); Section 9 |
| Business Identification Sign (Ground Sign variant) | 5 ft above ground elevation | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — | Meet building setback requirements of the zone. | Only one ground business identification sign per business. | Must meet building setback requirements for the property zoning. | — | Section J.3.A(5); Section J.3.A(2) |
| Attached Business Sign (Wall) | — | ≤25% of wall face area | — | — | One per building face. | Affixed to wall or parapet; extends <12 inches. | — | Section J.3.B(1)-(2); Section 9 |
| Awning/Canopy Sign (Attached) | — | Subject to attached sign limit (≤25% of wall face) | — | — | Counts as the attached sign on that building face. | On awning/canopy projecting from and supported by exterior wall. | — | Section J.3.B(3); Section 9 |
| Real Estate Sign - Primary (Commercial zones) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Must meet zone building setback requirements. | One per road frontage. | Subject to building setback requirements of the zoning district. | — | Section J.3.H(1), (3)-(4) |
| Real Estate Sign - Additional (Multi-Unit Development) | 8 ft | 10 sq ft per additional sign | — | Must meet zone building setback requirements. | One additional per unit in multi-unit developments. | Subject to building setback requirements of the zoning district. | — | Section J.3.H(2)-(4) |

### B-2 (General Business), M-2 (Heavy Industrial)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Business Identification Sign - Option 1 (Single) | Not specified for freestanding; must not exceed building height limits of the zoning district (general rule). | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — | 10 ft from roadway edge; 3 ft from sidewalk edge; ground signs must meet building setback requirements of the property zoning. | Only one freestanding business identification sign per business (single configuration). | Minimum 10 ft from edge of any highway, street, or road; minimum 3 ft from edge of any sidewalk; cannot be on or extend over the public right-of-way; must not interfere with traffic or pedestrian vision or safety. | — | Section J.3.A(1)-(4); Section J.3.I(2); Section 9 |
| Business Identification Sign - Option 2 (Double Sign on One Support) | Not specified for overall structure; must not exceed building height limits of the zoning district (general rule). | Top sign: 75 sq ft; Lower sign: 30 sq ft | — | 10 ft from roadway edge; 3 ft from sidewalk edge. | Two sign panels (top and lower) allowed on one support. | Minimum 10 ft from edge of any highway, street, or road; minimum 3 ft from edge of any sidewalk; cannot be on or extend over the public right-of-way; must not interfere with traffic or pedestrian vision or safety. | — | Section J.3.A(2)-(3); Section J.3.I(2); Section 9 |
| Business Identification Sign (Ground Sign variant) | 5 ft above ground elevation | 75 sq ft per side; up to 3 sides | — | Meet building setback requirements of the zone. | Only one ground business identification sign per business (unless using Double Sign option on a freestanding support). | Must meet building setback requirements for the property zoning. | — | Section J.3.A(5); Section J.3.A(2) |
| Attached Business Sign (Wall) | — | ≤25% of wall face area | — | — | One per building face. | Affixed to wall or parapet; extends <12 inches. | — | Section J.3.B(1)-(2); Section 9 |
| Off-Premise Sign - Option 1 (Primary) | Not specified; must meet general building height limits. | 60 sq ft per side; up to 2 sides | — | 10 ft from roadway edge; 5 ft from sidewalk edge; spacing minimum 2,000 linear feet from any other off-premise sign. | One primary off-premise sign per location (plus Option 2 second sign on same pole). | Minimum 10 ft from edge of any highway, street, or road; minimum 5 ft from edge of any sidewalk; cannot be on or extend over the public right-of-way; must not interfere with traffic or pedestrian vision or safety. | — | Section J.3.C(1), (3); Section J.3.I(2); Section 9 |
| Off-Premise Sign - Option 2 (Second Sign on Same Pole) | Not specified; must meet general building height limits. | 25 sq ft | — | Must comply with primary off-premise sign setbacks. | Second sign allowed on same pole. | On same pole as primary off-premise sign. | — | Section J.3.C(1) |
| Real Estate Sign - Primary (Industrial/Commercial zones) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Must meet zone building setback requirements. | One per road frontage. | Subject to building setback requirements of the zoning district. | — | Section J.3.H(1), (3)-(4) |
| Real Estate Sign - Additional (Multi-Unit Development) | 8 ft | 10 sq ft per additional sign | — | Must meet zone building setback requirements. | One additional per unit in multi-unit developments. | Subject to building setback requirements of the zoning district. | — | Section J.3.H(2)-(4) |

## Prohibited signs in Ripley

- Signs on public property are prohibited, except public signs in conjunction with government uses and temporary signs authorized by the public authority having jurisdiction.
- No sign may be located within or over a public right-of-way.
- Signs may not be erected at intersections or in any location that obstructs free and clear vision or that interferes with, obstructs the view of, or could be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device; use of words such as STOP, LOOK, DRIVE-IN, GO SLOW, CAUTION, or similar wording or symbols that could mislead traffic is prohibited.
- No signs are allowed between a height of 2.5 feet and 10 feet of the front property line in order to prevent obstruction of vision.
- Signs that blend with or can be confused with traffic signals are prohibited.
- Signs containing reflective materials that present a hazard or danger to traffic or the general public are prohibited.
- Structurally unsound signs or signs rendered structurally sound by guy wires are prohibited.
- Signs that display or advertise any obscene, indecent, or immoral matter are prohibited.
- Signs shall not be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit way, window, or door opening used as a means of egress or to prevent free passage.
- Signs shall not be attached in any manner that interferes with any opening required for ventilation (except covering transom windows when not in violation of Building or Fire Prevention Codes).
- Sign height may not exceed the building height restrictions of the applicable zoning district.
- Existing supports such as utility poles or traffic control sign supports may not be utilized for any sign.
- Signs may not be suspended by chains or other devices that allow the sign to swing due to wind; signs must be anchored to prevent lateral movement.
- The existing ground elevation may not be built up in order to achieve a taller sign.
- Artificial lighting used with or to light any sign may not be directed or reflected onto any structure or create a hazard to the safe operation of vehicles on streets or highways.
- Flashing signs, flashing or moving lights on signs, and reflective pennants are prohibited, except for time/temperature/date signs and search lights permitted by the Building Inspector.
- Electrical wiring, extension cords, or any other means of power for signs may not be laid on the ground or in parking areas.
- Signs must maintain specified minimum clearances from overhead electrical connectors (per voltage categories).

## Signs exempt from permit in Ripley

- Signs not more than 2 sq. ft. identifying street numbers, owner names, occupant name, and professional names.
- Official National, State, or Municipal flags properly displayed.
- Signs identifying merchandise or manufacturer on dispensing/vending machines, or on windows.
- Signs wholly within buildings or windows.
- Public signs erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of public duty, including temporary, emergency, or non-advertising signs approved by the Building Inspector.
- Historical markers required by local, State, or Federal authorities.
- Decorative signs incidental to national, local, or religious holidays.
- No trespassing or no dumping signs.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and date of erection when cut into masonry or constructed on bond or noncombustible material.
- Public signs or signs authorized for public purposes by law, statute, or ordinance, which may be of any type, number, area, height, location, illumination, or animation as required; also exempt are signs on public property erected by order of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen subject to sight, distance, and safety considerations.
- Warning signs that warn of danger, contain no advertising, are only as large as necessary, and are removed when the danger subsides.
- Private property directional signs such as no parking, exit, parking, not to exceed 5 sq. ft.
- Temporary posters (in conjunction with official, civic, or philanthropic events) do not require a permit, subject to the time limits provided.
- Temporary vehicle signs do not require a permit, provided they are displayed on operable vehicles with all current valid licenses, tags, or plates.
- Temporary construction signs do not require a permit and are allowed in all districts during active construction, subject to size/height limits.
- Temporary on-site garage sale signs not exceeding 5 sq. ft. do not require a permit, subject to display time limits.
- Real estate signs do not require a permit.
- On-building banners do not require a permit (total signage on any building face must not exceed 25% of that face).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No master sign plan or sign plan requirement is specified in the provided text.
- A building permit is required before any sign is erected, altered, or relocated; electrical permits must be obtained prior to submitting for the building permit.
- Temporary signs require a permit except for vehicle signs, construction signs, posters, and garage sale signs.
- Political/campaign signs require a general sign permit covering all of a candidate’s signs in Ripley (no fee); they must meet timing, size, and right-of-way restrictions.
- Right to appeal: any person ordered by the Building Inspector to remove a sign or whose sign permit application is refused may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals; the Building Inspector halts further action pending the Board’s decision unless immediate danger exists.
- Variances: the Board of Zoning Appeals may grant variances for height and setback, period for removal of nonconforming signs, maximum sign area, maximum number of signs, removal of prohibited signs, and others, provided jurisdiction, notice, non-application of less restrictive standards, inability to reasonably use the property under the ordinance, and uniqueness of the difficulty are determined.
- Nonconforming signs: filing a request for variance or interpretation within 30 days of the ordinance’s effective date stays further administrative actions until the request is acted upon.
- Real estate signs: businesses with non-conforming setbacks may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals; the Board may waive the setback if a suitable, safe location is found.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 6 zoning districts in Ripley — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Ripley+TN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-ripley

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