Memphis Storefront Sign Size and Height Rules

Signs and Advertising Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee storefront owners must follow city sign size and height rules that affect visibility, permits and compliance. This guide summarizes the municipal rules, permit steps, typical restrictions for storefront signs, and what to do when a sign is cited or removed. It points to the official Memphis code and permitting office for authoritative requirements and forms.[1][2]

Basics of Sign Size and Height for Storefronts

Memphis regulates sign location, area, and vertical placement to balance business identification with pedestrian safety and aesthetic standards. Key concepts include maximum sign face area per building frontage, height limits above grade, and rules for projecting, awning, and canopy signs. Local rules may differ by zoning district and historic overlay.

  • Check zoning district limits for permitted sign types and maximum sign area.
  • Setback and clearance requirements control how low a projecting sign may hang over sidewalks.
  • Different standards apply to awnings, wall signs, and freestanding signs.
Verify the zoning and overlay for your storefront before designing a sign.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Memphis building/code enforcement or planning departments; remedies can include fines, removal orders, and stop-work directions. Specific monetary fines and daily penalties for noncompliant signs are not specified on the cited municipal code page; see the enforcement office for exact amounts and schedules.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat, and continuing violations - not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, injunctions, and required alteration or removal of signs.
  • Enforcer: City of Memphis Code Enforcement and Building & Planning divisions; complaints and inspections are handled through official city channels.[2]
  • Appeals/review: appeals process and time limits depend on the cited enforcement ordinance or administrative rule and are not specified on the cited page.
Contact the City of Memphis Code Enforcement immediately if you receive a citation.

Applications & Forms

The city issues sign permits for new, replacement, and altered signs. The official sign-permit application, required attachments, and the fee schedule are published by the City of Memphis permitting office; specific fee amounts and form numbers are not specified on the cited permit page.[2]

  • Application name: Sign Permit (official application available from the City of Memphis permitting office).
  • Fees: see the permitting office; fees vary by sign type and size and are not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: typically submitted to Building and Codes or online via the city permit portal; check the official sign permit page for current instructions.

Common Violations

  • Exceeded maximum sign area for building frontage.
  • Sign installed without a permit or before inspection approval.
  • Projected signs or banners obstructing sidewalk clearance or failing mounting standards.
Common violations often result from incorrect measurement of sign face area or omission of permit application.

How to

  1. Confirm your property zoning and sign allowances in the Memphis municipal code or zoning map.
  2. Prepare sign plans showing dimensions, mounting details, and clearance measurements.
  3. Submit the sign permit application and required attachments to the City of Memphis permitting office and pay the fee.
  4. Schedule or allow inspections as required; address any corrections promptly to avoid escalation.
  5. If cited, follow the removal or corrective order and use the city appeals process within the stated time limit on the citation.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit for a storefront sign?
Most new, replacement, or altered signs require a permit; minor repairs or temporary signs may be exempt depending on local definitions—confirm with the permitting office.[2]
How is sign area measured?
Sign area measurement rules are defined in the municipal code and vary by sign type; consult the code text for exact measurement methods.[1]
What if my sign is in a historic district?
Historic overlay districts often impose additional design review and approvals; contact Memphis Planning and Development for overlay-specific procedures.

How-To

  1. Identify your zoning district and overlay restrictions.
  2. Design the sign to meet maximum area and height limits for your frontage type.
  3. Complete and submit the official sign permit application with plans and pay fees.
  4. Arrange inspections and obtain any required approvals before installing the sign.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm zoning and overlay rules before designing storefront signage.
  • Obtain a sign permit for new or altered signs to avoid removal orders or fines.
  • Contact City of Memphis Code Enforcement or the permitting office for clarifications.

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