Billboard Permits and ROW Approval in Memphis

Signs and Advertising Tennessee 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee requires permits and express approvals for billboards and any signs placed in public right-of-way. This guide explains the typical procedural steps, the city offices involved, how to request right-of-way (ROW) permission, and what to expect during review and enforcement for projects in Memphis.

Overview: Who regulates billboards and ROW

The City of Memphis administers sign and zoning rules through its planning and development offices and enforces right-of-way permits via Public Works and its ROW program. Applicants should consult the city code for sign standards and the Public Works ROW permit rules before preparing an application. See the municipal code for ordinance language and zoning restrictions Municipal Code - Memphis[1] and the city planning permit pages for application steps City of Memphis Planning & Development[2].

Start early: permit and ROW reviews often need coordination between departments.

Step-by-step application process

Typical steps to obtain a billboard permit and ROW approval in Memphis are:

  1. Pre-application check: confirm zoning, sign district rules, spacing and illumination limits using the municipal code and zoning maps.
  2. Prepare application: site plan, elevations, structural drawings, proof of property interest, and any state DOT approvals if the sign is near a state highway.
  3. Submit to Planning & Development for sign permit review; include required fees and contact information.
  4. Apply separately for a Right-of-Way (ROW) permit with Public Works if any work will be in the public ROW or if the sign attachment affects sidewalks, utilities, or traffic visibility Public Works - ROW Permits[3].
  5. Coordinate inspections and provide any requested revisions; respond promptly to avoid delays.
  6. Pay permit fees and post any required bonds or insurance certificates before issuance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Memphis through Planning & Development for zoning/sign violations and Public Works for ROW infractions. Where the municipal code specifies fines or remedies it governs; where the municipal pages do not specify amounts, the code or administrative rules apply and may be stated on the cited pages or set by department policy.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or the enforcing department for current fine schedules.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences - not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or alter signs, stop-work orders, permit revocation, and removal at owner expense (as allowed by code).
  • Enforcer and inspections: Planning & Development handles sign compliance; Public Works inspects ROW work and issues ROW violations. Contact department pages for complaint and inspection requests Planning & Development[2].
  • Appeals and review: appeals processes and time limits are established by ordinance or department rules; if not found on the cited pages, they are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a violation notice, follow appeal instructions immediately to preserve rights.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit application forms and checklists through Planning & Development and Public Works. Specific form names and fee amounts may change; if a form number or fee is not listed on the city pages, it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Sign permit application: check Planning & Development for the current application and checklist.
  • Right-of-Way permit application: available via Public Works; submission is typically online or at the department office.
  • Fees and bonds: fee schedules and bond requirements are listed with each permit; where not listed on the cited page, the amount is not specified on the cited page.

Common violations

  • Installing a sign without a permit.
  • Obstructing ROW or sidewalk clearance requirements.
  • Non-compliant illumination or structural noncompliance.

FAQ

Do I need a separate ROW permit for a billboard near the street?
Yes. If the billboard or its installation affects public right-of-way, a ROW permit from Public Works is typically required.
How long does permit review take?
Review times vary by complexity and completeness of the application; the city pages do not specify a uniform review period.
Can I appeal a denial?
Yes, but appeal procedures and deadlines depend on the ordinance and department rules; consult Planning & Development for instructions.

How-To

  1. Check zoning and sign rules in the municipal code and confirm the proposed location is allowed.
  2. Gather all required documents: site plan, structural drawings, proof of ownership or permission, and photos of the site.
  3. Submit the sign permit application to Planning & Development and the ROW permit application to Public Works with fees.
  4. Respond to review comments, schedule required inspections, and obtain final approvals before installation.
  5. Pay all fees, post bonds or insurance if required, and keep permit records on site during works.
Keep complete records of all submissions and approvals to simplify inspections and potential appeals.

Key Takeaways

  • Both sign permits and ROW approvals are typically required for billboards affecting public space.
  • Coordinate early with Planning & Development and Public Works to avoid delays.
  • Enforcement may include removal orders or fines; consult the municipal code for remedies.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal Code - Memphis
  2. [2] City of Memphis Planning & Development
  3. [3] Public Works - Right-of-Way Permits

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