Chattanooga, TN Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)
Key Facts
- Max luminaries
- 2 per sign face
- Wattage cap
- 2 watts per square foot
- Fixtures must be
- aimed and shielded
- Goal
- prevent light trespass off-site
Summary
Chattanooga requires off-premise billboard lighting to use shielded, directional luminaries capped at two watts per square foot so glare doesn't spill onto neighboring properties.
Off-premise advertising faces using external illumination shall use a maximum of two (2) luminaries per sign face. All luminaries will use a type of lenses that will direct the light to only illuminate the intended bulletin or poster face. Lamp and ballast watts shall not exceed two (2) watts per square foot of advertising area. Lighting fixtures illuminating signs and billboards shall be aimed and shielded so that properties are protected from light trespass or spillage to the maximum extent practicable.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 3-20 of Chattanooga's off-premise sign chapter (billboards) limits external illumination to two luminaries per sign face, each fitted with lenses that direct light only onto the bulletin or poster face, not beyond it. Lamp and ballast wattage is capped at two watts per square foot of advertising area. The rule requires that all lighting fixtures illuminating signs and billboards be aimed and shielded so neighboring properties are protected from light trespass or spillage to the maximum extent practicable, enforced by the Building Official under Chapter 3A.
Violations & Fines
Unshielded or overwattage billboard lighting is a misdemeanor under Sec. 3-12, $25 to $50 per day until corrected or the sign is abated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chattanooga billboards required to shield their lights from neighbors?
Is there a wattage limit on billboard lighting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee outdoor lighting overview
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