Sign Variance in New South Memphis, Tennessee
New South Memphis, Tennessee property owners or businesses seeking an oversized sign must usually obtain a zoning variance when a proposed sign exceeds dimensions, height, placement, or illumination standards in the applicable zoning regulations. This guide explains the typical steps for applying for a sign variance, the municipal offices involved, likely review criteria, enforcement and appeal routes, and practical action steps specific to New South Memphis within the City of Memphis jurisdiction.
Overview of Sign Variances
A zoning variance is an administrative or quasi-judicial exception to one or more dimensional or locational requirements of the zoning code. For oversized signs, variance requests commonly address height, total area, setback, and illumination standards. Applicants should prepare proof of hardship or practical difficulty and demonstrate that the variance will not harm public safety or neighboring property values.
Typical Review Criteria
- Demonstration of unique hardship or practical difficulty in complying with the sign standards.
- Evidence that the variance will not adversely affect public health, safety, or neighboring uses.
- Compliance with required public notice and hearing procedures.
- Compatibility with the comprehensive plan or corridor design standards where applicable.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for illegal or nonconforming oversized signs in the City of Memphis is administered by municipal code enforcement and planning staff. Specific fines, escalation schedules, and monetary amounts for oversized sign violations are not specified on the cited planning page[1]. Where the official code lists civil penalties or daily fines, those figures control enforcement; if not shown on the cited page, the amount is "not specified on the cited page."
- Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or enforcement notice for exact amounts.
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, civil injunctions, or court enforcement actions are commonly available remedies.
- Enforcer: City of Memphis Code Enforcement and the Office of Planning and Development handle inspections, notices and enforcement; complaints may be submitted to the Planning Department or Code Enforcement intake.
- Appeals and review: appeals typically go to the Board of Adjustment or equivalent body; specific time limits for appeal filings are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The City of Memphis provides variance application forms through its planning or permits office. The name and fee for the sign variance application are not specified on the cited planning page[1]. Applicants should contact the Office of Planning and Development to obtain the current variance application, fee schedule, and submittal requirements.
How to Prepare a Strong Variance Application
- Assemble drawings and a site plan showing the existing and proposed sign, dimensions, setbacks, and distances to property lines.
- Provide photographs of the site and adjacent properties showing visibility and context.
- Include a written narrative demonstrating hardship, mitigation measures, and reasons the variance meets review criteria.
- Pay any required application fee and confirm whether additional permit or building approvals are needed after variance grant.
Action Steps
- Contact the City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development for the current variance application and checklist.[1]
- Prepare site plans, photographs and a hardship statement addressing code standards you seek to vary.
- Submit the application with required fees, attend any public hearing, and monitor notice timelines.
- If the variance is denied, file an appeal to the Board of Adjustment or seek modification as allowed by local procedure.
FAQ
- What counts as an "oversized" sign?
- Definitions vary by zoning district; typically signs that exceed allowed area, height or illumination limits are treated as oversized and may require a variance.
- How long does a variance take?
- Timelines depend on application completeness, notice periods and hearing schedules; specific processing times are not specified on the cited page.
- Can I install the sign before a variance is granted?
- No — installing a sign that requires a variance before approval risks enforcement action, fines or removal orders.
How-To
- Contact the City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development to request the variance application and checklist.[1]
- Prepare a site plan, drawings, photos and a written hardship justification addressing the sign standards to be varied.
- Submit the application, pay fees, and provide any required notice materials or neighbor notifications.
- Attend the public hearing and provide testimony or evidence in support of the variance request.
- If approved, obtain any related permits (electrical, building) before installing or modifying the sign.
Key Takeaways
- Start early and get the official variance application and checklist from Planning.
- Document hardship clearly and include precise drawings and photos.
- Use official Planning and Code Enforcement contacts to confirm fees, forms and timelines.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development
- City of Memphis Code Enforcement
- Memphis Board of Adjustment information