Do nonprofits get an automatic exemption from banner permits?

No. Exemptions vary; nonprofit status does not automatically waive permit requirements in New South Memphis.

Where do I apply for a banner permit?

Apply with the City of Memphis Building & Neighborhood Services or the department listed for sign permits on the city website.

What if my banner is in the public right-of-way?

Banners in the public right-of-way generally require explicit city permission and may be prohibited for safety reasons.

Nonprofit Banner Permits - New South Memphis, TN

Signs and Advertising Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

In New South Memphis, Tennessee, community and nonprofit groups often use temporary banners for events, outreach and fundraising. Banner permits are governed by the City of Memphis sign and permitting rules and enforced by local permitting and code-enforcement offices. This guide explains typical permit triggers, where to apply, common restrictions on placement and size, and practical steps to secure approval so your organization can display banners legally and avoid fines.

Overview

Temporary nonprofit banners are usually treated as temporary signs under municipal sign rules. Requirements commonly address dimensions, duration, placement relative to public right-of-way, and attachment methods. Exact requirements and any exemptions for nonprofit or civic banners depend on local sign regulations and any special event or banner programs run by the city.

Nonprofit banner rules are part of the municipal sign regulations and are processed by the city's permitting office.

Permits, Restrictions, and Common Requirements

Permit required: Determine whether a temporary sign permit is required for banners on private property or public property.
Duration limits: Banners are often limited to a set number of days per year for each location.
Installation standards: Secure attachment and non-damage to structures or trees may be required.
Right-of-way and visibility: Banners generally cannot obstruct sidewalks, traffic sightlines, or public right-of-way.
Size and placement: Maximum dimensions and permitted locations are set by the sign code.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically carried out by the city's Building & Neighborhood Services or Code Enforcement division. If a banner is installed without the required permit or violates placement or size rules, the city may issue notices, require removal, and impose penalties.

Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited municipal pages listed in Resources.

Monetary fines: Not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: Information on first versus repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: Typical actions include removal orders, stop-work orders, and civil citations; court actions are possible for noncompliance.
Enforcer and complaints: The city's permitting or code-enforcement office handles inspections and complaints; see Resources for contact pages.
Appeals and review: Permit denials and enforcement orders are usually subject to administrative review or appeal; exact time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

Most banner permit procedures use the city's temporary sign or sign-permit application. The exact form name, number, published fee schedule, and submission method should be confirmed with Building & Neighborhood Services; if a dedicated nonprofit banner program exists it will be listed on the city's permit pages. If no official form is published online, contact the permitting office directly.

How-To

Confirm whether your banner will be on private property or city property and whether a permit is required.
Review the municipal sign rules for dimension, placement and duration limits.
Complete the city sign-permit or temporary sign application and assemble any required supporting materials (site sketch, property owner permission, installation details).
Submit the application to Building & Neighborhood Services and pay any required fee.
If an enforcement notice is issued, follow instructions to correct the violation promptly and use the city's appeal process if you dispute the order.

FAQ

Do nonprofits get an automatic exemption from banner permits?: No. Exemptions vary; nonprofit status does not automatically waive permit requirements in New South Memphis.
Where do I apply for a banner permit?: Apply with the City of Memphis Building & Neighborhood Services or the department listed for sign permits on the city website.
What if my banner is in the public right-of-way?: Banners in the public right-of-way generally require explicit city permission and may be prohibited for safety reasons.

Key Takeaways

Verify permit need before installing any banner.
Observe duration and placement limits to avoid enforcement actions.
Contact Building & Neighborhood Services for applications, fees, and appeals.