Memphis Temporary Open House Sign Rules - Realtors

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

In Memphis, Tennessee, real estate agents must follow city sign rules for temporary open house signage. This guide summarizes typical placement limits, permitted durations, enforcement contacts, and practical steps to comply with municipal regulations so you can advertise open houses without risking fines or removal.

What the rules cover

Temporary open house signs are usually regulated as temporary signs under the city sign code and zoning rules. Typical restrictions address where signs may be placed, whether signs may be on public property or only private property with owner permission, maximum size, number of signs per open house, required distance from intersections or traffic control devices, and any city permit requirements.

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal code and enforcement offices control compliance and sanctions for temporary sign violations in Memphis. Specific monetary penalties and escalation steps are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]

  • Enforcer: City of Memphis Office of Code Enforcement or Division of Planning and Development for sign and zoning compliance.
  • To report violations or request inspection, contact the City of Memphis code or zoning office through official city channels; see Resources below.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence procedures and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions may include removal of signs, written orders to cease placement, and court action; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
If you place signs on public property you risk immediate removal and potential citation.

Applications & Forms

Some municipalities require a sign permit for temporary signage or a special event permit for multiple directional signs; the cited municipal code page does not list a specific open-house sign form or fee and states permit requirements generally rather than listing a named form.[1]

  • If a permit is required, it will list the fee and submission method on the city permits portal or planning department page.
  • If no application is published for open-house signs, treat signs as temporary signs under the sign code and contact the planning office for guidance.

Practical compliance steps

  • Confirm whether signs are allowed on public right-of-way; when in doubt, place signs only on the listed property with owner permission.
  • Limit the number and size of signs to what the zoning code describes for temporary signage or what the planning office advises.
  • Check for any required permits or event notifications at least several days before the open house.
  • If signs are removed or cited, contact the enforcement office quickly to resolve and, if needed, appeal within the time limit stated on the citation or order.
Keep records and photos of sign placement and permissions for quick dispute resolution.

Common violations

  • Placing signs on sidewalks or medians where prohibited.
  • Using oversized or unpermitted signs contrary to the sign code.
  • Cluttering public rights-of-way or blocking visibility at intersections.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a temporary open house sign?
Not always; permit requirements vary and the municipal code page does not list a named open-house sign form, so contact the planning or code office to confirm.
How long can a temporary open house sign remain posted?
Duration limits for open-house signs are not specified on the cited municipal code page; confirm time limits with the planning or code office before posting.
Who enforces sign rules in Memphis?
The City of Memphis code enforcement or planning division enforces sign and zoning rules; contact details are provided in Resources below.
If you receive a citation, act quickly to ask about appeal deadlines listed on the citation or order.

How-To

  1. Check the City of Memphis sign code or contact the planning office to confirm whether temporary open house signs are permitted for your property.
  2. If a permit is required, complete the listed permit or application and pay any fee before placing signs.
  3. Place signs only on private property with permission, away from intersections and not blocking sidewalks or sight lines.
  4. Keep photos of placement and any permissions, and retain receipts for permits or fees in case of a complaint.

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify local sign rules with the City of Memphis planning or code office before posting open-house signs.
  • Place signs on private property only and avoid public rights-of-way unless explicitly allowed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Memphis Code of Ordinances - municipal sign and zoning provisions

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