Knoxville, TN Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- On-site signs
- 2 max, 4 sq ft each
- Directional signs
- 2 max, 2 sq ft each
- Directional sign rule
- Owner's written permission needed
- Posting window
- No more than 2 days early
- Removal
- Each day at sale's close
Summary
Knoxville allows two on-site garage sale signs up to 4 square feet and two directional signs up to 2 square feet, posted no more than two days ahead and removed daily, under Code § 16-234.
(1)Two (2) signs of not more than four (4) square feet shall be permitted to be displayed on the property of the residence or nonresidential site where the garage sale is being conducted.(2)Two (2) directional signs of not more than two (2) square feet each are permitted, provided that the premises on which the garage sale is conducted is not on a major thoroughfare and that written permission to erect such signs is received from the property owners on whose property such signs are to be placed.(b)Time limitations. No sign or other form of advertisement shall be exhibited for more than two (2) days prior to the day such sale is to commence.(c)Removal of signs. Signs must be removed each day at the close of the garage sale activities. (Code 1962, § 24-172)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Code § 16-234 governs garage sale signage: up to two on-site signs, each no larger than 4 square feet, are allowed on the sale property itself. Up to two off-site directional signs, each no larger than 2 square feet, are allowed only where the site isn't on a major thoroughfare and the property owner has given written permission for the sign's placement. No sign may go up more than two days before the sale starts, and every sign must come down each day when the sale's activities close for the day.
Violations & Fines
Posting more or larger signs than permitted, placing directional signs without the property owner's written permission, putting signs up more than two days early, or leaving signs up after the sale closes each day violates § 16-234 and is punishable under § 16-229.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a Knoxville garage sale sign be?
When must garage sale signs come down in Knoxville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
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