New South Memphis Sign Size, Height & Lighting Rules

Land Use and Zoning Tennessee 5 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In New South Memphis, Tennessee, businesses must follow municipal sign controls that limit sign area, maximum height, and illumination to protect safety and neighborhood character. This guide explains typical standards, permit requirements, enforcement pathways, and practical steps to get an on-site business sign approved. Where the local code is specific we cite the controlling ordinance or planning office; where the official page does not state a numeric limit we note that it is not specified on the cited page and point to the enforcing office for clarification. Follow the application and appeal steps below to reduce delays and compliance risk.

Sign standards overview

Sign rules in New South Memphis are implemented as part of the City of Memphis land development and sign regulations. Requirements vary by zoning district, frontage type, and whether the sign is freestanding, wall-mounted, projecting, or temporary. Key areas addressed by the regulations include:

  • Sign area limits measured in square feet per façade or per lot.
  • Maximum sign heights measured from grade to top of sign.
  • Illumination rules including hours, shielding, and prohibitions on flashing or animated lighting.
  • Permit, plan and drawing requirements for new, replaced, or altered signs.

The City of Memphis Planning and Development office provides guidance and accepts sign permit applications.Official Planning & Development[1] The consolidated municipal code containing sign and zoning text is published at the city code archive hosted by Municode.Memphis Code of Ordinances - Sign Regulations[2]

Always check the zoning district rules before designing a sign.

Measurement details and common limits

Measurement conventions and numeric limits are set in the zoning and sign chapters. Typical rules you will encounter include:

  • Sign area is calculated from the outermost visible edges of the sign face, excluding supports unless they form part of the sign face.
  • Freestanding signs often have a maximum height measured from existing grade; the exact numeric maximum varies by frontage and is specified in the code.
  • Illuminated signs may be limited by lumen output, hours of allowable illumination, shielding requirements, and prohibitions on electronic message displays.

If a numeric value (for example, a precise maximum height in feet or maximum square feet) is required for your site plan and is not listed in department guidance, consult the Planning and Development office or the relevant code section cited above; some numeric limits are tiered by zoning category and specific to lot frontage. If a numeric limit is not plainly stated on the cited page we state "not specified on the cited page" and direct you to the enforcing office for an authoritative determination.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces sign rules through inspections, notice, and fines, administered by Planning and Development and code enforcement staff. Remedies can include removal orders, stop-work directives, administrative fines, and court action for continued noncompliance. Specific enforcement details are:

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for sign-specific fines; municipal code provides general penalty provisions and may list specific fine scales in the enforcement chapter.
    Consult the municipal code and enforcement office for exact figures.[2]
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat offences, and continuing violations are handled through escalating notices and fines, but exact ranges for signs are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal or abatement orders, stop-work notices, permit revocation, and civil court proceedings are available remedies under the code.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Planning and Development and Code Enforcement enforce sign rules; contact the official planning page for filing complaints or requesting inspections.Planning & Development contact[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes typically include an administrative review or zoning board of adjustment petition; time limits for filing an appeal are set in the municipal code or the appeal procedure rules and may not be listed on the department landing page ("not specified on the cited page").
  • Defences/discretion: permits, variances, or temporary sign approvals may be available; reasonable excuse or emergency exceptions are context-dependent and subject to administrative discretion.
If you receive a notice, act promptly to avoid escalating fines or removal orders.

Applications & Forms

Most permanent and many temporary signs require a permit application with drawings, dimensions, mounting details, electrical permits for illumination, and a site plan. The exact form name and number are published by the city; if no form is clearly published on the department page we state that the specific form number is not specified on the cited page and advise contacting Planning and Development.

  • Common required items: permit application, scaled drawings, structural plans for large freestanding signs, electrical permit for illuminated signs.
  • Fees: permit fee schedules vary by sign type and are set by the city fee schedule; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited planning page.
  • Submission: submit applications to Planning and Development; contact details are available on the official planning page.Planning & Development[1]

How to get a compliant business sign

Action steps to secure approval and avoid enforcement:

  1. Verify your property's zoning district and permitted sign types with Planning and Development.
  2. Measure proposed sign area and height per the code's measurement rules and prepare scaled drawings.
  3. Apply for a sign permit and any required electrical or structural permits; include site plan and design details.
  4. Schedule or request an inspection after installation and retain all permit paperwork on-site.
  5. If denied, file an administrative appeal or variance request within the timeline stated in the municipal code.

FAQ

Do temporary signs need a permit?
Temporary signage rules depend on size, duration, and location; some small temporary signs are allowed without a permit while larger or longer-duration signs require a permit per the municipal sign rules.
How is sign height measured?
Height is measured from the adjacent grade to the highest point of the sign structure; check the code for exceptions and grade measurement method.
Can illuminated electronic message centers be used?
Electronic displays are often restricted by brightness, hours, and animations; specific allowances are zoning-dependent and listed in the sign chapter.

How-To

  1. Confirm zoning and permitted sign types for your address with Planning and Development.
  2. Prepare drawings showing sign dimensions, mounting details, and illumination plans.
  3. Submit the sign permit application and pay required fees to the Planning office.
  4. Complete required inspections and keep permits and approvals on site.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign area, height, and illumination rules depend on zoning and frontage type.
  • Most permanent and many temporary signs require a permit and supporting drawings.
  • Contact Planning and Development early to confirm numeric limits and application requirements.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Planning & Development - official department page
  2. [2] Memphis Code of Ordinances - sign and zoning regulations (Municode)

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