Report Obscene or Misleading Signs - New South Memphis

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

In New South Memphis, Tennessee, residents and businesses can report obscene, indecent, or misleading signs that may violate city sign regulations or public-nuisance rules. This guide explains how to document a sign, where to submit a complaint, which city office enforces sign rules, and what follow-up or penalties to expect. Use the steps below to prepare a clear report, including photos and exact location, and to find the official forms or online reporting tools maintained by the City of Memphis.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Memphis enforces local sign and advertising rules through municipal code sections and its code enforcement processes; monetary amounts and specific daily fines are not specified on the cited page. Enforcement options commonly include orders to remove or alter signs, civil penalties, and abatement by the city when owners fail to comply. The primary enforcer for complaints and inspections is the City of Memphis Code Enforcement and 311 intake system. For the controlling ordinance text, consult the municipal code linked below.[1]

  • Enforcing office: City of Memphis Code Enforcement and 311 intake for complaints and inspections; contact via the city 311 reporting page.[2]
  • Fines: specific dollar amounts per offence are not specified on the cited municipal code page.
  • Escalation: the code refers to initial notices and potential continued violation penalties, but escalation ranges and repeat-offence schedules are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, permit revocation or abatement; exact procedures and timelines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; applicants and respondents should consult the city office listed in the notice for local appeal procedures.
When reporting, include clear photos, the exact street address, and the nearest cross street.

Applications & Forms

Sign permits and related applications are administered by the City of Memphis Planning and Development division; a sign permit application is usually required for new or altered commercial signs. Fee amounts, submission deadlines, and the official permit form are not specified on the cited city pages; contact Planning and Development or 311 for the current form and fee schedule.[2]

How to Report an Obscene or Misleading Sign

Follow these action steps to file a clear, actionable complaint with city authorities.

  1. Document the sign with dated photographs showing the full sign and any surrounding context.
  2. Record the exact location (address and cross streets) and the date/time you observed the sign.
  3. Check whether the sign appears to lack a permit or violates local sign rules via the municipal code.[1]
  4. Submit a complaint to City of Memphis 311 with photos and location details via the official 311 service page or by phone.[2]
  5. If the city issues a notice and you are the property owner, follow instructions on the notice and contact the listed office to appeal or request more time.
  6. Keep records of your submission and any city correspondence; if the sign is a safety or criminal matter, notify law enforcement as appropriate.
If a sign presents an immediate public-safety hazard, contact emergency services as well as 311.

FAQ

How do I report an obscene or misleading sign in New South Memphis?
Gather photos and the exact location, then submit a report to City of Memphis 311 online or by phone; include photos and any permit or business information you have.[2]
Will the city remove the sign immediately?
Removal timelines depend on inspection and notice procedures; immediate removal is not guaranteed and specific timeframes are not specified on the cited pages.
Are there fines for sign violations?
Municipal code provides for penalties, but specific fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]

How-To

  1. Take clear, dated photos of the sign and surrounding area.
  2. Note the exact address or nearest cross street and the time you observed the sign.
  3. Review the City of Memphis sign code to see whether the sign appears permitted.[1]
  4. File a 311 complaint online or by phone with the City of Memphis and attach your photos.[2]
  5. Monitor the city response and, if you receive a notice, follow the instructions or seek appeal information from the issuing office.

Key Takeaways

  • Report obscene or misleading signs to City of Memphis 311 with photos and exact location.
  • Sign permits are handled by Planning and Development; check permit status before reporting.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal Code - Memphis sign and advertising regulations
  2. [2] City of Memphis 311 - report a code enforcement issue

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