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Sign Regulations in Kingsport, TN (2026)

3 verified sign regulations for Kingsport, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Holiday Displays

Kingsport's decorative lighting rule, § 114-537, allows decorative lighting in the B-2, B-3 and B-4P districts and states that from November 15 through January 5 there is no restriction on it. Where it is permitted, the lights stay one color, cannot blink, run or simulate movement, and are capped at 40 linear feet for smaller businesses and 150 for larger ones.

Kingsport Decorative and Holiday Lighting Rules

Some Restrictions

Kingsport Code § 114-537

Decorative Lighting is only allowed in the following zoning districts: B-2, Central Business District, B-3, Highway Oriented Business District, and B-4P, Planned Business District. In addition from November 15 th through January 5 th , which is generally recognized as the traditional retail holiday season, there is no restriction on decorative lighting. (1)Decorative lighting where permitted sh...

Digital Billboards

Kingsport allows electronic message boards only in the M-1, M-1R, M-2, B-3, BC, B-4P and TA/C districts under § 114-535, and never as off-premises advertising. Brightness caps at 4,000 nits from sunrise to sunset and 1,000 nits after sunset, each display must hold at least five seconds, and video, animation, scrolling and flashing text are prohibited.

Kingsport Electronic Message Board and Digital Sign Rules

Significant Restrictions

Kingsport Code § 114-535

Except as otherwise provided in this section, electronic message boards are allowed only in the following zoning districts: M-1, Light Manufacturing District, M-1R, Light Manufacturing Restricted, District, M-2, General Manufacturing District, B-3, General Business District, BC, Business Conference Center District, B-4P, Planned Business District, and TA/C, Tourist Accommodation/Commerce Distri...

Freeway-Facing Signs

In the City of Kingsport, Tennessee, off-premises advertising signs along interstate highways are allowed only in the B-3, M-1, M-1R and M-2 districts under § 114-532. A sign must stand within 760 feet of the interstate, stay outside a 2,640-foot radius of an interchange, and cannot exceed 15 feet in height or 100 square feet per side.

Kingsport Interstate Off-Premises Sign Rules

Significant Restrictions

Kingsport Code § 114-532

(2)Districts where permitted. Signs shall be permitted in:a.Highway Oriented Business Districts (B-3);b.Light Manufacturing Districts (M-1);c.Light Manufacturing Restricted Districts (M-1R); andd.General Manufacturing Districts adjacent to interstate highways (M-2).(3)Location. Signs shall only be permitted within 760 feet of an interstate highway as measured from the center of sign base to the...

Looking for Sullivan County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kingsport city rules.

Sign Regulations in Sullivan County →