How Memphis Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Memphis maintains 200 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Memphis falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Garage Sale Signs

Memphis regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs through the Unified Development Code. Garage sale signs may be placed on the property where the sale occurs but are prohibited in the public right-of-way including on utility poles, traffic signs, and medians. Signs placed illegally in the ROW are subject to removal by the city. Temporary sign permits are generally not required for on-premises garage sale signs.

Key details: On-Premises Signs: Allowed without permit on sale property. Right-of-Way: Signs prohibited on poles, medians, traffic signs. Enforcement: City removes illegally placed ROW signs. Duration: Must be removed after sale ends.

Signs on utility poles: removal and fine $25 to $50. Signs not removed after sale: fine $25 per day. Excessive signs: warning, then citation.

Holiday Displays

Memphis does not have specific regulations targeting holiday displays on private residential property. Seasonal decorations including lights, inflatables, and yard displays are generally permitted under the UDC as temporary decorations. Displays must not create traffic hazards, obstruct sidewalks, or violate electrical code requirements. HOAs in Memphis subdivisions may impose their own seasonal display rules, but the city itself takes a permissive approach.

Key details: City Regulation: No specific holiday display ordinance. Temporary Status: Treated as temporary decorations under UDC. Safety Requirements: Must not obstruct sidewalks or create traffic hazards. HOA Rules: May apply in deed-restricted communities.

Obstruction of sidewalk or road: notice to correct. Electrical hazard: fire department may require removal. Excessive noise: noise ordinance enforcement. Displays left up past deadline: HOA fines possible.

The rules around holiday displays in Memphis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Political Signs

Memphis regulates signs through the Unified Development Code sign regulations. Political signs on private property are protected under the First Amendment and Tennessee law. The UDC limits temporary sign size and placement but cannot ban political speech. Political signs must not obstruct sight triangles at intersections or be placed in public rights-of-way. Signs in the public right-of-way are subject to removal by the city.

Key details: Regulation: UDC sign regulations. Private Property: Political signs allowed with size limits. Right-of-Way: Signs prohibited in public ROW. Sight Triangle: Must not obstruct intersection visibility.

Signs in right-of-way: removal by city, possible fine $25 to $100. Oversized signs: notice to reduce. Failure to remove post-election: fines $25 to $50 per day after grace period.

The Bottom Line

Memphis's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Memphis is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Memphis 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.