Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Nashville

Nashville, TN Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Max sign size
6 square feet
Sign limit
one sign per lot
Earliest posting
4 days before sale
Removal deadline
2 days after sale
Coverage
Metro zoning districts, not satellite cities

Summary

Metro Nashville exempts yard-sale signs up to six square feet, one per lot, from sign permits -- but you must post them no sooner than four days before the sale and take them down within two days after.

Temporary signs which do not exceed six square feet in area, are limited to one per lot, which are erected no sooner than four days before any yard sale event, and are removed within two days after the event;

Source: Metro Code Ch. 17.32 — Sign RegulationsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

Metro's zoning code (Section 17.32.040(Q)) exempts yard-sale signs from formal sign permitting citywide across Nashville and Davidson County zoning districts, but the exemption has hard limits: six square feet maximum, one sign per lot, and a display window capped at four days before the sale through two days after it ends. Miss those limits and the sign becomes an unpermitted temporary sign subject to removal under Section 17.32.050. The exemption doesn't reach the six satellite cities (Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, Oak Hill, Ridgetop), which enforce their own separate codes.

Violations & Fines

Signs exceeding six square feet, more than one per lot, or displayed outside the four-days-before/two-days-after window lose the exemption; the zoning administrator can order removal within three days under Section 17.32.050.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a garage sale sign in Nashville?
No. Metro's code exempts yard-sale signs from sign permitting if they're 6 square feet or smaller, one per lot, and posted no more than four days before the sale.
How long can I leave my garage sale sign up?
Put it up no more than four days before the sale and take it down within two days after the sale ends, per Metropolitan Code § 17.32.040(Q).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nashville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsWindow SignsSome RestrictionsHoliday DisplaysFew RestrictionsFreeway-Facing SignsSome RestrictionsDigital BillboardsSignificant RestrictionsPolitical SignsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Nashville rules

Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee sign regulations overview

Get notified when Garage Sale Signs in Nashville, TN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.