Collierville, TN Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Electronic message boards
- Prohibited in all zoning districts, § 151.174(D)
- Changeable copy signs
- Manual and automatic both prohibited, § 151.174(O)
- Off-premises advertising
- Commercial advertising signs prohibited, § 151.174(EE)
- Billboard definition
- More than 100 square feet of sign face (§ 151.003)
- Gas pump displays
- Digital displays larger than 48 square inches prohibited
- Removal notice
- 30 days from receipt of the Development Director's letter
Summary
The Town of Collierville, Tennessee prohibits electronic message boards, automatic and manual changeable copy signs, and off-premises commercial advertising signs in every zoning district. Section 151.174 says these signs may neither be erected nor maintained. A digital billboard combines all three features, and the code defines a billboard sign as more than 100 square feet of sign face.
BILLBOARD SIGN. ... A type of advertising or business sign having more than 100 square feet of sign face that is either erected on the ground or attached to or supported by a building or structure. ... ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD. Any sign that displays still images, scrolling images or moving images, including video and animation, utilizing a series or grid of lights that may be changed through electrostatic means, including cathode ray, light emitting diode (LED) display, plasma screen, liquid crystal display (LCD), fiber optic or other electronic media or technology. ... The following signs shall be prohibited and may neither be erected nor maintained. ... (D) Electronic message boards; ... (O) Changeable copy signs (manual and automatic); ... (EE) Off-premises commercial advertising signs; and
Full Breakdown
Section 151.174, titled Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts, opens with a flat rule: the listed signs shall be prohibited and may neither be erected nor maintained. Three entries together close the door on digital billboards in the Town of Collierville. Division (D) prohibits electronic message boards. Division (O) prohibits changeable copy signs, manual and automatic. Division (EE) prohibits off-premises commercial advertising signs. The section was last amended by Ord. 2023-09, passed 5-13-24.
The definitions fix what each term reaches. An ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD in § 151.171 is any sign that displays still images, scrolling images or moving images, including video and animation, using a series or grid of lights that can be changed through electrostatic means, including cathode ray, light emitting diode (LED) display, plasma screen, liquid crystal display (LCD), fiber optic or other electronic media or technology. A BILLBOARD SIGN in § 151.003 is a type of advertising or business sign having more than 100 square feet of sign face, erected on the ground or attached to or supported by a building or structure. An OFF-PREMISES SIGN communicates a message about an activity, service or commodity that is not the primary one provided on the premises where the sign sits.
Related entries in the same list reach neighboring technology. Division (G) bans LED electronic message center window signs, (H) and (I) ban moving and flashing signs, (R) bans strobe lights, (Z) bans animated signs, and (CC) bans digital display signs larger than 48 square inches incorporated into a gas pump.
There is no variance route printed in § 151.174 itself. The sign subchapter applies within all zoning districts under § 151.172, except that an approved planned development sign policy or Historic District guidelines take precedence in their own areas. Appeals of the Development Director's orders go to the Board of Zoning Appeals (§ 151.182(B)).
Violations & Fines
Under § 151.182(C), a person, firm or corporation violating the sign subchapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is fined not more than the maximum prescribed by Tennessee law. Each day's continuance is a separate offense, and the sign owner, the owner of the premises, and anyone who knowingly assisted each commit a separate offense. The Development Director orders conformance or removal by certified letter within 30 days of receipt, then can remove the sign at the joint expense of the sign owner and premises owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a digital billboard be built in the Town of Collierville?
What counts as an electronic message board under the code?
Are LED signs in store windows allowed?
Who enforces the sign ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Collierville
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