Chattanooga, TN Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Static hold time
- minimum 10 seconds
- Daytime brightness cap
- 90% of max intensity
- Nighttime brightness cap
- 30% of max intensity
- Transitions
- 2-second fade only, no scrolling
- Permit reviewer
- City Traffic Engineer
Summary
Chattanooga's off-premise sign code caps digital billboards to static images with automatic dimming: daytime brightness at 90% max and nighttime cut to 30%, with every LED permit reviewed by the City Traffic Engineer.
Any signs which contain light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD) illumination or any sign capable of its message/display being changed by electronic/remote means shall comply with the following requirements or equivalent:i.All LED signs and off-premise message centers shall be mounted on permanent sign structures only. Vehicle-mounted LED displays of any type, including parked or moving vehicles, are prohibited.ii.All LED signs and off-premise message centers shall have static images only. Flashing signs, scrolling message signs, or any form of animated images are prohibited. Audible signs are also prohibited.iii.LED images shall be displayed a minimum of ten (10) seconds.iv.Transitions between images shall be a minimum of two (2) seconds and shall be a fade out/fade in image change only. Scrolling transitions or abrupt image changes are prohibited.v.Automated light intensity and dimming controls for LED signs shall be required.vi.Using industry standards, daytime brightness levels should be no more than ninety percent (90%) of maximum intensity. Nighttime brightness shall be reduced to thirty percent (30%) of the maximum light intensity for the LED sign.
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
Chapter 3A of the Chattanooga City Code governs off-premise signs, including billboards. Sec. 3-19(d) requires any billboard using LED or LCD illumination, or any electronically changeable message, to display static images only, no flashing, scrolling, or animation, held for a minimum of ten seconds with two-second fade transitions between messages. Automatic dimming is mandatory: daytime brightness may not exceed 90% of maximum intensity, and nighttime brightness must drop to 30%. The City Traffic Engineer reviews and approves every LED sign permit application before it can be issued.
Violations & Fines
Off-premise sign violations are misdemeanors under Sec. 3-12, $25 to $50 per day, with noncompliant signs subject to Building Official abatement and removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Chattanooga billboard flash or scroll its message?
How bright can an LED billboard be at night in Chattanooga?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.