Nashville Sign Code Map & Hearing Schedule

Signs and Advertising Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee maintains a municipal sign code that governs placement, size, lighting, and permitting for commercial and residential signs. This guide summarizes where to find the official sign code map, how public hearings and variances are scheduled, and which Metro offices enforce sign-related rules. Use the code text and planning department resources to confirm zone-specific sign rules and to find permit applications and contact points for inspections and appeals. For consolidated ordinance text see the Metro code repository and for local sign policy interpretation consult the Metro Planning Department and Codes division.Metro Code - Ordinances[1] Metro Planning Department[2] Metro Codes & Building[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Key enforcement features are set out in Metro enforcement rules and the municipal code. Specific fine amounts and per-day penalties for sign violations are not specified on the cited page; consult the ordinance text for precise figures.[1]

Failure to comply with sign regulations can lead to removal orders and administrative fines.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment is not specified on the cited page; check the ordinance sections referenced by the code repository.[1]
  • Non-monetary remedies: removal orders, abatement, or court enforcement actions are authorized by municipal code provisions (see code repository).[1]
  • Enforcer: Metro Codes & Building enforces sign permits and violations; complaints and inspection requests go through the Codes department.Contact Codes & Building
  • Appeals: appeal or variance routes run through the Metro Planning Department or the designated administrative hearing process; exact time limits for appeal filings are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with Planning.[2]

Applications & Forms

The sign permit application and related submittal checklist are issued by Metro Codes & Building and the Permit Center. The exact form name, number, filing fee, and online filing method are published by the Metro permit center; if a form number or fee is not visible on the official permit page it is not specified on the cited page.[3]

How to read the Sign Code Map

The sign code map overlays zoning districts with sign standards (allowed sign types, maximum area, height, and illumination rules). To check a parcel:

  • Locate the parcel zoning on the Metro interactive map or zoning layer provided by Planning.
  • Cross-reference the zoning district with the sign standards in the municipal code text.
  • If proposing a nonconforming sign, prepare a variance or special exception application with required drawings and filings as directed by Planning.
Always confirm the current zoning layer and the effective date of any ordinance amendments before applying.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to replace an existing sign face?
Most face replacements that do not change size, height, or structural elements may still require a permit; verify with Metro Codes & Building.
Where is the sign code map published?
The sign code map is published by the Metro Planning Department and the municipal code repository; check the Planning interactive map and the code text for district rules.[2]
How do I report an illegal sign?
Report illegal or unsafe signs to Metro Codes & Building using the official complaint/contact page of the Codes department.

How-To

  1. Confirm the parcel zoning on the Metro Planning interactive map.
  2. Review the sign standards for that zoning district in the municipal code repository.
  3. Prepare permit drawings, dimensions, and structural details per the Permit Center checklist.
  4. Submit the sign permit application to Metro Codes & Building and pay fees as required.
  5. Schedule inspections and, if necessary, attend the public hearing or variance meeting as scheduled by Planning.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the Metro Planning interactive map plus the municipal code to confirm district-specific sign rules.
  • Permits, fees, and forms are issued by Metro Codes & Building; check the Permit Center for current requirements.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Metro Code of Ordinances - Nashville & Davidson County
  2. [2] Metro Planning Department - City of Nashville
  3. [3] Metro Codes & Building - City of Nashville

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