Campaign Sign Rules - New South Memphis, TN

Elections and Campaign Finance Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

New South Memphis, Tennessee neighborhood associations must follow city and county rules when placing campaign signs on private property, public right-of-way, and near polling places. This guide summarizes applicable municipal sign rules, who enforces them, typical restrictions on size and placement, and steps associations can take to apply for permits, report violations, or appeal enforcement decisions.

Rules overview

Local sign regulations usually distinguish signs on private property from those on public property and regulate placement relative to sidewalks, street corners, and polling places. Associations should confirm zoning and sign-permit requirements before posting multiple signs in common areas or on public land.

  • Check municipal sign code and zoning rules for land-use restrictions.
  • Observe time limits for campaign display near election dates and polling locations.
  • Do not place signs in the public right-of-way, obstruct sidewalks, or create sight-line hazards at intersections.
Ask for written permission before placing signs on any property you do not own.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for sign violations typically rests with city code enforcement, the planning department, or the department designated for sign permits; election authorities may enforce rules around polling places. Exact fine amounts and escalation steps are not consistently itemized on local ordinance pages and may be listed on the municipal enforcement or election pages cited below.[1][2]

  • Fines: specific dollar amounts for campaign-sign violations: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, seizure of signs, or court actions may be used per enforcement policies; exact remedies: not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: city Code Enforcement or Planning and Development; election-related restrictions near polling places enforced by the county election office.[2]
  • To report or appeal: contact the municipal code enforcement division or county elections office via their official complaint/contact pages.
If a sign is ordered removed, document its condition and the order before compliance.

Applications & Forms

Permit and application requirements vary. Some signs on private property require no city permit if they meet size and location rules; freestanding or temporary signs in public areas typically require a permit or written authorization. The municipal planning or permitting page should list any required permit forms and submission method; if a specific form number or fee is published, it is shown on the cited municipal pages.[1]

  • Sign permit name/number: see municipal permitting portal for current forms and fees.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; check the planning/permitting portal for current fees.
  • Deadlines: apply early of election-day restrictions; specific deadlines: not specified on the cited page.

Practical steps for neighborhood associations

  • Confirm ownership: obtain written permission to place signs on private common areas or homeowner-association property.
  • Check election-day buffer zones near polling places and county election rules before posting signs within those distances.
  • Contact city planning or code enforcement for permit guidance and the county elections office for polling-place rules.
  • Keep records: photographic evidence, permissions, and permit receipts to defend against removal orders or fines.
Keep signs clear of sight lines and sidewalks to reduce risk of removal or citation.

FAQ

Can neighborhood associations place campaign signs on public rights-of-way?
Generally no; placing signs in the public right-of-way is commonly prohibited and can be subject to removal or citation. Contact city code enforcement for specific rules and exceptions.[1]
Are there special rules for signs near polling places?
Yes. County election offices regulate signage near polling places and set buffer zones; contact the county elections commission for distances and enforcement procedures.[2]

How-To

  1. Confirm property ownership and obtain written permission if signs are to be placed on private common property.
  2. Review the City of Memphis sign code and the municipal permitting portal for size, height, and permit requirements.[1]
  3. Check Shelby County election rules for buffer zones around polling locations and avoid posting signs within restricted distances.[2]
  4. If a permit is required, complete the official sign-permit application, pay any fee, and retain the receipt.
  5. If cited or ordered to remove signs, document the order, photograph the signs, and follow appeal instructions provided by the enforcing office.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check municipal and county rules before posting campaign signs.
  • Obtain written permission for signs on private common property and keep records of permits.
  • Contact code enforcement or the elections office early to avoid enforcement actions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances - Signs and zoning
  2. [2] Shelby County Election Commission - Elections and polling-place rules

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data