Rutherford County, TN Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- Zoning Ordinance Section 1206
- Removal
- Within 48 hours after use
- Area (5 acres or less)
- 32 sq ft, up to 5 signs
- Right-of-way
- Not allowed
- Yard sale activity
- 3 days per 90 days
Summary
Garage and yard-sale signs are temporary signs under Section 1206 of the Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance. They must be removed within 48 hours of no longer serving a purpose, cannot go in the right-of-way, and count toward the 32-square-foot temporary-sign allowance on residential lots.
Any such signs shall be removed within 48 hours of no longer serving a purpose... Temporary signs are not allowed in the right-of-way and shall meet the setback and placement guidelines located in Subsection 1203 C.
Full Breakdown
The Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance does not name garage-sale signs separately, so they are governed by the Section 1206 temporary-signage rules in the unincorporated county. Any such signs shall be removed within 48 hours of no longer serving a purpose. On a residential lot of five acres or less, temporary signs are capped at 32 total square feet, divided into up to five signs of no more than 16 square feet each, at most 6 feet tall, not illuminated, and not in the right-of-way. Separately, the ordinance allows a yard sale of personal or household items only up to three days in any 90-day period. Cities such as Murfreesboro and Smyrna apply their own sign rules within city limits.
Violations & Fines
A temporary sign posted in the right-of-way or left up beyond 48 hours is a sign violation enforced by the Director of Building Codes, a misdemeanor fined not more than $50.00, with each day of continuance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I post garage-sale signs?
How often can I hold a yard sale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rutherford County
Compare Rutherford County to another location·View the Tennessee sign regulations overview
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