# Sign Regulations in Spring Hill, Tennessee

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Spring Hill, Tennessee (TN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/tennessee/spring-hill
- **Data last verified:** 2025-07-09
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.springhilltn.org/DocumentCenter/View/10522/Unified-Development-Code--Revised-June-2025#page=199)

## At a glance

Spring Hill, Tennessee regulates 12 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Wall Signs in the C-1 Local Commercial District (C-1), C-2 Professional Office District (C-2) zoning district are capped at Cannot project above roofline tall and 1 sq ft per linear foot of building wall; minimum of 32 sq ft, with a May encroach max 18 in into ROW; cannot project above roofline setback (Sec. UDC Sec. 12.6.I, Table 12-1, 12.3, 12.2). Most commercial signs in Spring Hill require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (8 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AG Agricultural District (AG), R-A Rural Agricultural District (R-A), R-R Rural Residential District (R-R), R-1 Single-Family District (R-1), R-2 Single-Family District (R-2), R-3 Single-Family District (R-3), R-4 Single-Family District (R-4), R-5 Single-Family and Two-Family District (R-5), R-6 Multi-Family District (R-6), R-7 Multi-Family District (R-7), R-MH Manufactured Home Park District (R-MH), NA Natural Areas District (NA), PR Public Recreation District (PR), F-1 Open Floodway District (F-1), HS Hillside Slope Overlay District (HS) | 4 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| C-1 Local Commercial District (C-1), C-2 Professional Office District (C-2) | 5 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| C-3 Corridor Commercial District (C-3), C-4 General Commercial District (C-4), C-5 Regional Commercial District (C-5), C-G Gateway Mixed-Use District (C-G) | 9 | 20 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| C-D Downtown District (C-D), C-D-C Downtown Center Sub-District (C-D-C), C-D-E1 Downtown Edge 1 Sub-District (C-D-E1), C-D-E2 Downtown Edge 2 Sub-District (C-D-E2) | 6 | 15 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| I-1 Light Industrial Zoning District (I-1), I-2 General Industrial Zoning District (I-2), RD Research and Development District (RD) | 4 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| IC Institutional Campus District (IC), Public Recreation District (PR) | 2 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| H Historic Overlay District (H) | 2 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 8 ft (<5 ac); 10 ft (>=5 ac) | 16 sq ft (freestanding/wall); up to 30% of window area (window) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 8 zones)

### C-1 Local Commercial District (C-1), C-2 Professional Office District (C-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | Cannot project above roofline | 1 sq ft per linear foot of building wall; minimum of 32 sq ft | — | May encroach max 18 in into ROW; cannot project above roofline | No max, cumulative sign area among all wall signs per facade may not exceed maximum | Facades facing ROW, parking area, or public space; not service area facade | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.I, Table 12-1, 12.3, 12.2 |
| Freestanding Sign - Standard | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from lot line; not in ROW | 1 per lot | One per lot, minimum 5 ft from any lot line | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.D, Table 12-1 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per establishment per frontage | One per establishment w/frontage; one per street frontage for corner lots | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.H |
| Awning Sign | — | 25% of each surface | — | May encroach into ROW but must be 2 ft from curb | — | Over door/window; may project up to 8ft from facade, min 8ft clearance | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.B |
| A-Frame Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | Maintain 5 ft sidewalk clearance at all times | 1 per establishment | Within 15 ft of business entrance | — | UDC Sec. 12.5.C.1 |

### C-3 Corridor Commercial District (C-3), C-4 General Commercial District (C-4), C-5 Regional Commercial District (C-5), C-G Gateway Mixed-Use District (C-G)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | Cannot project above roofline | 1 sq ft per linear foot of building wall; minimum of 32 sq ft | — | May encroach max 18 in into ROW; cannot project above roofline | No max, all wall signs on a facade limited to total allowed | Facades facing ROW, parking area, or public space; not service area facade | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.I, Table 12-1 |
| Freestanding Sign - Standard | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from lot line; not in ROW | 1 per lot | One per lot, minimum 5 ft from any lot line | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.D, Table 12-1 |
| Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant Retail Center (<10 acres) | 15 ft | 100 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from lot line | 1 per lot (<10 ac); additional with entry points on larger sites | One per lot; must be on a lot of at least 10 acres for additional | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.D(4) |
| Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant Retail Center (10 to <30 acres) | 20 ft | 150 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from lot line | 1 per lot; more with extra entries/size | One per lot; additional for entry points if 100 ft apart | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.D(4)(ii) |
| Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant Retail Center (30+ acres) | 20 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from lot line | 1 per lot, + per eligible entries | One per lot, plus additional entries if 100 ft apart | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.D(4)(iii) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per establishment per street frontage | One per establishment street frontage; 8ft clearance; <6 ft projection | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.H |
| A-Frame Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | Maintain 5ft sidewalk clearance | 1 per establishment | Within 15 ft of business entrance | — | UDC Sec. 12.5.C.1 |
| Freestanding Sign - Residential Subdivision | 8 ft | 100 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from lot line | 1 per entry | Entry points to residential subdivisions | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.D(5) |

### C-D Downtown District (C-D), C-D-C Downtown Center Sub-District (C-D-C), C-D-E1 Downtown Edge 1 Sub-District (C-D-E1), C-D-E2 Downtown Edge 2 Sub-District (C-D-E2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | Cannot project above roofline | 1 sq ft per linear foot of bldg wall; minimum 32 sq ft | — | May encroach max 18 in into ROW; cannot go above roofline | No max per facade, total area per facade limited to max | Each facade facing ROW, parking area, or public space | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.I, Table 12-1; C-D/C-D-C, etc. design standards |
| Projecting Sign | — | 12 sq ft (C-D); 16 sq ft (all other C districts) | — | — | 1 per establishment per frontage | One per establishment street frontage; 8ft clearance; <6 ft projection | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.H, C-D design standards |
| Freestanding Sign - Standard | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from lot line | 1 per lot | One per lot, min 5 ft from any lot line (subject to C-D streetscape design) | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.D, Table 12-1; C-D design standards |
| Awning Sign | — | 25% of each surface | — | — | — | Over door/window; up to 8ft projection, 8ft min clearance to ground; at least 2 ft from curb when projecting over ROW | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.B; C-D design standards |
| A-Frame Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | Maintain 5ft sidewalk clearance | 1 per establishment | Within 15 ft of entrance of business | — | UDC Sec. 12.5.C.1 |
| Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant Retail Center (<10 acres) | 15 ft | 100 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from lot line | 1 per lot (<10 ac), + for entries | One per lot; extra for additional entries (100ft apart), if eligible | — | UDC Sec. 12.6.D(4); C-D design standards |

## Prohibited signs in Spring Hill

- No sign may be erected in a location that violates the building code, fire code, and other applicable City codes or ordinances.
- No sign may obstruct the sight triangle, as described in Article 9.
- Only signs that have been placed by or authorized by federal, state, or the City may be installed on public property. Any sign installed on public property, including rights-of-way, and public easements without prior authorization may be removed by the City without notice.
- No permanent sign may be erected on private property without the consent of the property owner or his/her authorized agent.
- No sign may be erected in a manner that obstructs access to any ingress or egress, fire escapes, fire hydrants, fire department connections, or standpipes and similar fire safety connections.
- No sign may be installed in a manner that obstructs stormwater flow for the stormwater system serving that lot.
- Audio components are generally prohibited, with the listed exceptions (menu boards, drive-through service windows, permitted gas station pump video screens).
- All permanent signs must be constructed of rigid, weather-proof materials.
- No sign illumination may be combined with reflective materials, such as mirrors, polished metal, or highly-glazed tiles, which would increase glare.
- Neon or LED lighting to outline doors, windows, architectural features, and building facades is prohibited.
- Flickering or flashing lights are prohibited.
- Searchlights, laser source lights, or any similar high intensity lights are prohibited.
- Lighting by exposed bulbs is prohibited (except as part of a temporary use).
- Any lighting that may be confused with emergency services (red and blue lighting) or traffic signals (red, yellow, and green lighting) is prohibited.
- Mercury vapor lighting is prohibited.
- Unshielded LED rope lighting is prohibited.
- All signs not expressly permitted by this Code are prohibited.
- Banners used as permanent signs, including banners wrapped around permanent sign structures, are prohibited.
- Balloon signs that exceed one square foot in area are prohibited.
- Electronic message signs (EMC) are prohibited.
- Flashing or animated signs are prohibited.
- Moving signs, including any sign that rotates, revolves, or has any visible moving part, or gives the appearance of movement, are prohibited (except clocks and barber poles).
- Neon or LED signs, with the exception of permissions for window signs, are prohibited.
- Obsolete signs and sign structures are prohibited.
- Portable reader-board signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Strobe lights, moving or fixed spotlights, and floodlights/searchlights are prohibited.
- Signs that constitute a traffic hazard: those that interfere with, obstruct the view of, or may be confused with traffic signs/signals; illuminated in traffic signal colors; use certain traffic words or phrases; may be confused with public safety lighting.
- Vehicle signs on unlicensed, uninsured, or inoperable vehicles placed for the primary purpose of attracting attention to the occupant’s presence within a building at which the vehicle is being parked are prohibited (exception: vehicles used in the normal course of business).
- Video display signs are prohibited.
- No sign, including sign hardware or wiring, may remain on the premises more than five business days after a non-residential occupant vacates a building or tenant space.

## Signs exempt from permit in Spring Hill

- Painting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign, not involving structural changes or changes in electrical components, is exempt from requiring a sign permit.
- Changing the copy of a changeable message sign does not require a sign permit.
- Logos and labels on mechanical equipment, recycling bins, trash containers, and similar objects, as part of the equipment as manufactured and/or installed, are exempt.
- Building address signs (wall-mounted, maximum two square feet per building entry, or at entrance drive, maximum two square feet and four feet in height), unless required for fire safety or other City safety purposes, are exempt.
- A-Frame signs (subject to restrictions on districts, dimensions, placement, hours of display, etc.) are exempt from sign permit requirement.
- Auction activity signs (with size, timing, and frequency restrictions) are exempt.
- Construction activity signs (with size, location, and timing restrictions) are exempt.
- Government signs: Federal, state, or local government or taxing bodies may install signs in the public interest in any number, configuration, or size, and these are exempt.
- Holiday and seasonal decorations on private property are exempt (maximum display period of 60 days per holiday).
- Memorial or historic event signs are allowed as exempt (one per street frontage, maximum size, and height restrictions).
- Multiple tenant building entryway signs (maximum size and location restrictions) are exempt.
- Noncommercial message signs (subject to restrictions on size, location, illumination, and timing) are exempt.
- Not-for-profit community event signs (subject to size, timing, and frequency restrictions) are exempt.
- Off-premise commercial temporary signs (with weekend, timing, and display period limits) are exempt.
- Parking lots and structures: additional signs for entrances/exits, driveways, lane markers, and circulation points (subject to size and height restrictions) are exempt.
- Real estate activity signs (subject to size, location, and timing restrictions) are exempt.
- Window signs (subject to size and illumination restrictions) are exempt.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required for all permanent and temporary signs except those identified as exempt by the Code.
- A sign permit is required for any new or modified sign (except for changing sign copy or normal maintenance; changing sign face does require a permit).
- All new billboards and modifications to existing billboards require a sign permit (modifications do not include changing the advertising on the billboard face).
- Any sign permit application for a new or modified sign must include plans and specifications for the proposed sign.
- Sign permit applications are processed and must be in compliance with the Unified Development Code and other City codes.
- If the work authorized under a sign permit is not completed within 180 days (or longer, if specified at the time of issuance), the sign permit expires and is void.
- Exempt signs (as listed in Sec. 12.5) do not require a sign permit.
- Approval of site plans for multi-family, non-residential, and mixed-use developments must show monument sign(s) and other site signage locations for review.
- No permanent sign may be erected on private property without the consent of the property owner or their authorized agent, and, if not owned by the applicant, written permission must be submitted as part of the sign permit application.
- For new non-residential construction or major site work, all site signage (including placement) should be included in the plan submittal for site plan review.

## 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 8 zoning districts in Spring Hill — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Spring+Hill+TN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-spring-hill

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