Franklin's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Franklin, Tennessee, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Garage Sale Signs

Franklin requires a $5 yard-sale permit through Billing & Licensing, with a maximum of four sales per dwelling per year, two consecutive days each, daylight only. Signs are not allowed in any public right-of-way and may not be posted, attached, nailed, or stapled to any utility or light pole, traffic sign, street sign, or median. One on-premise sign is allowed (6 sq ft per side max). Off-premise signs are limited to 6 sq ft per side, must be on private property only, mounted on stakes, and require written permission from the property owner. Permit must be visible from the right-of-way during the sale.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — $5 (Billing & Licensing). Max Sales / Year: 4 per dwelling. Max Duration: 2 consecutive days; daylight hours only. Permit Display: Visible from public right-of-way during sale. On-Premise Sign: 1 sign max, 6 sq ft per side.

Off-premise signs in the right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic signs are immediately confiscated without notice. Operating without a yard-sale permit, exceeding 4 sales/year, exceeding 2 consecutive days, or holding outside daylight hours can be cited through Franklin Municipal Court with each day a separate offense. Enforcement: Building & Neighborhood Services (615-794-7012).

Political Signs

Campaign signs in Franklin are governed by the Tennessee Freedom of Speech Act (TCA 2-7-143), which preempts local governments and HOAs from restricting the number or shape of political signs on private residential property more than 100 feet from a polling place. Local governments may only limit the size to 16 square feet on residential property. Property owners may display campaign signs starting 60 days before a general election (including early voting) through one day after. Signs may NOT be placed in the public right-of-way under Franklin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 15; signs in the ROW are 'forfeited to the public and shall be immediately confiscated.'

Key details: State Statute: TCA 2-7-143 (Tennessee Freedom of Speech Act). Local Code: Franklin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 15 (Signs); effective 1/13/2026 (Ord. 2025-25). Residential Size Cap: 16 sq ft (state-maximum local limit). Display Window: 60 days before general election (incl. early voting) through 1 day after. Right-of-Way: Prohibited; immediate confiscation, no notice.

Signs in the public right-of-way are immediately confiscated by the city per Franklin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 15 — forfeited to the public with no notice required. Other sign-code violations are enforced by Building & Neighborhood Services (615-794-7012) through Franklin Municipal Court with each day of continuing violation a separate offense.

Franklin is more permissive than most cities when it comes to political signs. That said, there are still limits.

Holiday Displays

Franklin's Zoning Ordinance Chapter 15 (Signs) does not impose a calendar take-down date for residential holiday lights, wreaths, garlands, or inflatable decorations that carry only a generic holiday/seasonal message. Flag and yard-sign caps in Chapter 15 (3 flags and 2 non-campaign temporary signs per lot, 3 months in 12) apply where a display crosses into 'sign' territory. Practical limits come from the property maintenance code (Title 13, Chapter 1), nuisance provisions, and HOA rules. Lights aimed into neighboring windows or noisy inflatables can be cited as a nuisance.

Key details: Permit Required: No — holiday decorations are not 'signs' under Chapter 15. Take-down Deadline: None in city code. Flag Cap: 3 per lot (Franklin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 15). Non-Campaign Temp Signs: 2 per lot, 6 sq ft/side, 3 months in 12 (Chapter 15). Nuisance Limit: Title 13 Chapter 1 / Section 13-106 (health & sanitation nuisance).

No automatic citation for residential holiday decorations themselves. Citations apply when a display becomes a sign (Chapter 15 limits: 2 non-campaign temporary signs per lot @ 6 sq ft, 3 months in 12; 3 flags per lot), blocks the right-of-way, blocks sight triangles, or creates a nuisance (lights into windows, loud inflatables) — Title 13 Chapter 1 / Section 13-106. Each day a separate offense; Franklin Municipal Court fines.

Franklin is more permissive than most cities when it comes to holiday displays. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Franklin gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Franklin can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.