Misleading Advertising Bylaw - New South Memphis

Signs and Advertising Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

New South Memphis, Tennessee enforces municipal rules that restrict misleading advertising, false claims, and deceptive signage within city limits. This guide summarizes how the City applies sign and advertising regulations, which departments enforce them, and practical steps for businesses and residents to comply or report violations. For the controlling municipal code and definitions, see the City of Memphis code and sign regulations. City Code[1]

Check the municipal code page for the most direct ordinance text and definitions.

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal code and enforcement pages are the primary sources for penalties and procedures for advertising and signage violations in New South Memphis. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules for "misleading advertising" are not specified on the cited code page; see the enforcement contact for compliance and penalty details.[1]

Enforcement is generally handled by the City of Memphis Code Enforcement or related licensing and permitting divisions. Complaints may be submitted to the office responsible for codes and permits; see the municipal enforcement/contact page for reporting procedures and inspection processes. Code Enforcement[2]

Sanctions and Escalation

  • Monetary fines: specific dollar amounts for misleading advertising are not specified on the cited municipal code page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary orders: removal of signs, takedown orders, permit revocation, or abatement actions may be applied under city authority.
  • Court actions: unresolved violations can be referred to municipal court or civil enforcement.
If exact penalty amounts are required for a case, request the enforcement worksheet or citation form from Code Enforcement.

Applications & Forms

Sign permits, business licensing, and related permits are typically required for permanent signage and certain advertising structures; the city publishes permit applications and submission instructions on permitting pages. If no specific form for "misleading advertising" exists, enforcement proceeds via citation or abatement orders under sign or consumer protection provisions.[2]

Common Violations

  • False pricing or misleading discounts on storefronts or online listings.
  • Deceptive claims about endorsements, affiliations, or safety certifications.
  • Illegal placement of signs in public right-of-way or without required permits.
  • Banners or temporary signs that obscure traffic signs or create hazards.

How to

  1. Document the advertisement: photograph the material, note dates, times, and location.
  2. Gather evidence of the claim: screenshots, receipts, or competitor comparisons supporting the misleading nature.
  3. Submit a complaint to City Code Enforcement using their online form or phone contact; include your documentation and location details.
  4. Follow up: request the enforcement case number and inquire about timelines for inspection and remedial action.
  5. If unsatisfied, pursue appeal or court review as directed by the citation or enforcement notice; specific appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited pages.

FAQ

What counts as misleading advertising in New South Memphis?
Misleading advertising includes false statements, material omissions, and deceptive pricing or endorsements that can mislead reasonable consumers; see municipal definitions in the City code.[1]
How do I report a suspected misleading ad?
Document the ad and submit a complaint to City Code Enforcement with photos and location details via the official reporting page or phone line.[2]
Are there permits that allow otherwise-restricted signs?
Certain temporary or special-event signs may be authorized by permit, but permits do not authorize false or deceptive claims; check the sign permit rules and application requirements on the city permitting pages.

Key Takeaways

  • Misleading advertising is addressed through municipal sign and consumer protection rules.
  • Report violations to City Code Enforcement with clear documentation for fastest resolution.
  • Permits govern sign placement but do not excuse false claims.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances - sign and advertising provisions
  2. [2] City of Memphis Code Enforcement - complaint and contact information

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