A-Frame Sign Rules - New South Memphis, TN

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

New South Memphis, Tennessee businesses and property owners must follow municipal sign rules for A-frame or sandwich board signs to avoid citations and ensure pedestrian safety. This guide summarizes how local sign standards apply in New South Memphis, who enforces them, common violations, and practical steps to comply. Where the local ordinance text or fines are not explicit on the municipal pages cited below, this article notes that the detail is "not specified on the cited page" and points to the responsible department for definitive guidance.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Memphis enforces sign regulations through the Planning and Development / Code Enforcement functions; official sign standards are codified in the City code and Unified Development Code. For the controlling ordinance text and definitions consult the City code sign provisions and sign standards page City sign regulations (Unified Development Code - Signs)[1].

  • Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, abatement at owner expense, seizure of signs, and civil court action are authorized by the Code or enforcement practice where violations continue.
  • Enforcer: Planning and Development / Code Enforcement division handles inspections, notices, and enforcement; complaints should be submitted through the City of Memphis code enforcement contact channels.
  • Appeals: appeal or review procedures and any time limits are not specified on the cited page; affected parties should request the formal appeal procedure from Planning and Development.
Contact the Planning and Development office early if you receive a notice to preserve appeal rights.

Applications & Forms

The City code and Planning department publish requirements for permits where required; a specific A-frame permit form or number is not specified on the cited page. Businesses should contact Planning and Development to confirm whether a temporary sign permit, zoning clearance, or other application is required for sandwich board placement.

What the rules commonly require

  • Location: signs must not obstruct pedestrian clearway, ADA routes, curb ramps, or emergency egress.
  • Size and height limits: many municipal sign standards set maximum dimensions for temporary sidewalk signs.
  • Permit and posting: some jurisdictions require a temporary sign permit or business license disclosure.
  • Insurance and liability: property owners may be required to accept liability for hazards from signs placed on sidewalks.
Keep a photo dated before placing a sign to document compliant placement.

Common violations

  • Blocking sidewalk clearway or ADA route.
  • Exceeding allowed dimensions or using prohibited lighting.
  • Failure to obtain a required temporary sign permit.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to place an A-frame sign in New South Memphis?
Permit requirements depend on the sign standards and zoning; the cited City sign pages do not list a specific A-frame permit form, so contact Planning and Development to confirm.
Where can I place a sandwich board?
Placement must avoid obstructing pedestrian clearways, ADA routes, transit stops and private property; specific placement distances or clearances are not specified on the cited page.
What happens if my sign is cited?
Enforcement may include notice to remove the sign, civil fines, or abatement; exact fines and appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Confirm ownership and zoning: verify that your storefront and sidewalk frontage are eligible for a business sign.
  2. Check the code: review the City sign provisions or ask Planning and Development for the A-frame rules and any permit requirements.[1]
  3. Measure and position: keep required pedestrian clearway and ADA access unobstructed and follow size limits if published.
  4. Apply or register: submit any temporary sign permit or business notification if required by Planning.
  5. Maintain and inspect: ensure the sign is stable, visible, and removed when not in use or at the end of any permitted timeframe.
  6. If cited, respond promptly: follow the removal order, document compliance, and request appeal instructions from Planning and Development.
Promptly addressing a notice usually reduces the risk of escalated fines or abatement costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm local sign rules with Planning before placing an A-frame.
  • Keep sidewalks and ADA routes clear to avoid citations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Unified Development Code - Signs (official code library)

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