Hendersonville, TN Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Districts allowed
- Non-residential only
- Eligible uses
- Gas stations, theaters, qualifying public sites
- Residential setback
- 150 feet minimum
- Max digital area
- 80% of sign area
- Off-site billboards
- Banned in all zones
Summary
Hendersonville allows electronic changeable-copy signage only at gas stations, theaters, and qualifying public sites in non-residential districts, requiring Design Review, 150-foot residential setbacks, and capping displays at 80 percent of allowable sign area; general off-site billboards are banned outright.
Electronic changeable copy is only allowed in non-residential districts and as follows:
1. Location Electronic copy signs must be at least 150 feet from the nearest existing residence.
A. Fuel price signs at service and gas station sites.
B. Indoor theaters to display current and future showings.
C. Public/Quasi-Public uses on land with at least 400 feet of continuous street
frontage.
2. Maximum Area Electronic copy can represent no more than 80 percent of the maximum allowable sign area.
3. Display Duration Changes to message are limited to no more than one time per 5 minutes. The message transition must be instant and not fade between messages (minimal one sequence change interval).
4. Light Color Light color shall be static and must not give the appearance of animation. No changes in light color may be permitted without Design Review and approval.
5. Light Intensity The intensity of the sign lighting may not exceed 500 nits over ambient lighting conditions when measured at the nearest property line. All electronic copy must be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according to ambient lighting conditions or that can be adjusted to comply with the 500 nits limitation.
Full Breakdown
The city's sign ordinance treats digital displays as 'changeable copy' ground signs, not stand-alone billboards. Electronic changeable copy under §13.5.1.2(A) requires Design Review approval and is confined to non-residential districts, permitted only for fuel-price signs, indoor theater marquees, and public or quasi-public uses on lots with 400+ feet of street frontage, sited at least 150 feet from the nearest home. Displays are capped at 80 percent of the allowable sign area, may change no more than once per five minutes with an instant transition, and may not exceed 500 nits over ambient light. Off-site advertising billboards, digital or static, are separately prohibited in every zone under §13.6's 'General Advertising for Hire' ban.
Violations & Fines
Operating an electronic sign outside these limits, or erecting a prohibited off-site billboard, is a misdemeanor: a $50 fine per violation, with each day of noncompliance charged separately, plus removal by City staff (§4.13).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a business in Hendersonville put up a digital billboard?
How fast can a digital sign's message change in Hendersonville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendersonville
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