Murfreesboro Sign Size, Height & Lighting Rules

Land Use and Zoning Tennessee 5 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

This guide explains how Murfreesboro, Tennessee regulates sign size, height and illumination for public- and private-facing signage. It summarizes the citys official sign standards, permit pathways, common violations and practical steps to apply, appeal or report noncompliant signs. Use the municipal code and the city's sign-permit materials as the controlling sources when preparing a permit or responding to an enforcement notice. For the controlling ordinance text see the municipal code [1] and for permit forms and submittal instructions see the city's sign-permit materials [2].

Where sign rules are found

Murfreesboros sign standards are located in the municipal zoning and land development regulations; related procedures are issued by the Planning/Building department. The municipal code defines sign types, area and height limits, illumination controls and where signs are allowed or prohibited.

Key standards: size, height and illumination

The city distinguishes signs by zoning district and by type (wall, freestanding, canopy, temporary). Typical rule elements you will encounter include maximum sign face area measured in square feet, maximum sign height measured from finished grade, and limits on lighting and electronic message displays. Where the municipal code provides a numeric limit or formula it controls; when the code is silent, the Planning department issues standards by policy or permit condition.

  • Maximum face area for freestanding signs: not specified on the cited page.
  • Maximum wall sign area relative to building frontage: not specified on the cited page.
  • Sign height cap for commercial zoning: not specified on the cited page.
  • Illumination controls (shielding, hours, brightness, LED messaging): addressed by ordinance text and permit conditions; numeric lumen or brightness caps are not specified on the cited page.
Check the municipal code text for district-specific numeric tables before designing a sign.

Permits, variances and exceptions

Most permanent signs require a sign permit; temporary and certain small signs may be allowed without a permit or with a simplified permit. Variances or special exceptions for sign size, height or illumination are processed through the zoning variance procedure in the municipal code or planning board rules.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a sign-permit application and submittal checklist that specifies required drawings, site plans and fees; if no form is provided for a specific sign type the department will list required documentation at review. Fee amounts and a current application are published by the Planning/Building office.

  • Sign Permit Application: name "Sign Permit Application" (check the Planning/Building submittal page for the current PDF or e-form).
  • Permit fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission method: electronic or in-person per Planning/Building instructions.
  • Deadlines: permit review times vary; check current processing times before scheduling installation.
Always attach scaled drawings and an elevation showing finished grade when you submit a sign permit.

Enforcement basics

Enforcement is handled by the department designated in the municipal code (typically Planning, Building or Code Enforcement). Enforcement actions can include notice to correct, stop-work orders, removal orders and civil penalties; the exact monetary penalties and escalation steps are set out in the municipal code or enforcement policy when available.

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal code and associated enforcement procedures describe sanctions for sign violations, administrative processes for compliance and appeal pathways. Where the code lists specific fines or daily penalties you must follow those figures; if a numeric fine is not published on the official page the value is "not specified on the cited page." For Murfreesboro the enforcing office and permit contact are the Planning/Building or Code Enforcement divisions; use the department contact for complaints or to request an inspection [2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or alter signs, stop-work orders, and court action are authorized by the code where listed; specific remedies depend on the violation and are set in ordinance text.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Planning/Building or Code Enforcement handles inspections and complaints; submit complaints via the department contact page [2].
  • Appeals: appeal and review routes follow municipal code provisions for administrative appeals or variances; time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: permit, variance or reasonable-excuse defenses are available when authorized by the code or by administrative discretion.

Common violations and typical outcomes:

  • Signs without a permit  may receive a notice to obtain a permit or remove the sign.
  • Excess height or area  may trigger removal orders or denial of future permits until corrected.
  • Unauthorized illumination or electronic messaging  may result in required shutdown or shielding conditions.

Applications & Forms

To apply: complete the Sign Permit Application, attach plans and pay the fee at the Planning/Building submittal portal or office. If the city has not published a specific form for a sign type the department will list required documents at intake; fee amounts and processing times are listed on the departments permit page or fee schedule.

If you receive an enforcement notice, contact Planning/Building immediately to request a compliance inspection or to learn appeal deadlines.

How-To

  1. Determine your sign type and zoning district using the municipal code and zoning map.
  2. Download and complete the Sign Permit Application with scaled drawings and site plan.
  3. Submit the application and fee to the Planning/Building office and respond to any review comments.
  4. Obtain permit approval before installation; for variances follow the zoning variance procedure if needed.
  5. If you receive a notice, contact the department, request inspection and file an appeal within the codes time limits if you dispute the action.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit for a sign?
Most permanent signs require a permit; temporary signs may be allowed without a permit depending on size and duration as defined in the municipal code.
How tall can a freestanding sign be?
Maximum sign height is set by zoning district in the municipal code; specific numeric limits are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed in the code text.
Are LED message boards allowed?
Electronic message displays are regulated for illumination and content; permit conditions or prohibitions depend on the zoning district and code provisions.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check the municipal code for district-specific numeric limits before designing a sign.
  • Submit a complete sign-permit application with scaled drawings to avoid delays.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Murfreesboro municipal code (Municode) - sign regulations and zoning provisions
  2. [2] City of Murfreesboro Sign Permit Application and Planning/Building submittal instructions

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