Nashville Sidewalk Sandwich Board and A-Frame Sign Rules

Signs and Advertising Tennessee 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee businesses and property managers must follow local rules for sidewalk sandwich boards and A-frame signs to ensure pedestrian safety, ADA access, and compliance with Metro sign regulations. This guide summarizes placement, permit requirements, enforcement, common violations, and practical steps to apply or appeal. Where official code language or fees are not explicitly published on the cited pages, the text notes "not specified on the cited page" and points to the controlling municipal sources for confirmation.[1][2]

What the rules cover

The Metro Nashville sign regulations and codes address sign placement, size, illumination, and public-right-of-way obstructions. Sidewalk sandwich boards (also called A-frame signs) are typically treated as temporary pedestrian-level signs; requirements may be set in the municipal code, zoning regulations, or department rules. For code language and definitions, consult the local sign ordinance and department guidance.[1]

Placement, size, and ADA clearance

  • Maintain continuous pedestrian clearance on sidewalks and comply with ADA accessible route dimensions.
  • Do not place signs where they obstruct curb ramps, transit stops, crosswalks, or building exits.
  • Follow any area-specific limits on sign width, height, or display time imposed by zoning or special district rules.
Always ensure at least the minimum ADA clear width on public sidewalks.

Permits and authorization

Some sidewalk signs are allowed without a formal permit, while others require a temporary sign permit or written authorization from the permitting office. Confirm with Metro Codes or the permitting office whether a specific permit is required for an A-frame or sandwich board in your location.[2]

Applications & Forms

  • The official temporary sign or sign permit application name and form number: not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; check the permit application or contact Codes for current fee schedules.
  • Submission: contact the Metro permitting office or submit via the Metro permits portal as directed by the Codes department.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Metro Codes (Codes Administration), Code Compliance, or the designated enforcement office cited in the municipal rules. The municipal sign ordinance and Codes department guidance are the controlling instruments; where monetary penalties and escalation steps are not listed on the cited pages, the text notes that fact and points to the official source for confirmation.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or relocate signs, abatement actions, or court referral per municipal enforcement procedures.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Metro Codes Enforcement (contact via the Metro Codes/Permits contact page).[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes or hearings are handled per municipal administrative procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a notice, follow the removal or abatement instructions immediately to avoid escalation.

Common violations

  • Blocking ADA path or reducing sidewalk clear width.
  • Placing signs in the public street, curb zone, or transit stop areas.
  • Using unauthorized illuminated or structurally unsafe A-frame signs.

Action steps to comply

  • Confirm local zoning or special district rules that apply to your business frontage.
  • Contact Metro Codes or the permit center to determine whether a permit is required and request the official application.[2]
  • Measure and place signs to preserve required sidewalk clearance and avoid curb ramps.
  • If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the removal instructions, document compliance, and use the described appeal procedure if you dispute the action.
Keeping documentation of any permit or approval can prevent future disputes.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for an A-frame or sandwich board?
It depends on location and local rules; check with Metro Codes or the permitting office for whether a temporary sign permit or written authorization is required.[2]
How close to the curb can I place a sandwich board?
Do not place signs that obstruct pedestrian circulation, curb ramps, or transit stops; specific clearance distances should be confirmed with Metro Codes and ADA guidance.[1]
What happens if I ignore a notice to remove a sign?
Municipal enforcement may impose removal orders, fines, or abatement actions; exact penalties and escalation are defined in enforcement procedures or the municipal code and may not be specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact sidewalk location and measure available clear width.
  2. Contact Metro Codes or review the municipal sign ordinance to determine permit requirements and obtain the application if needed.[2]
  3. Place the sign to preserve ADA access and avoid building exits, ramps, and transit zones.
  4. If issued a notice, follow removal directions and submit any appeals or documentation to the enforcement office within the stated time limits.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm permit requirements with Metro Codes before placing sidewalk signs.
  • Always preserve ADA-compliant clearances on public sidewalks.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Nashville - Code of Ordinances (official municipal code)
  2. [2] Metro Nashville Codes Department - Permitting and enforcement information

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