Shelby County, TN Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Memphis/Shelby County UDC 4.9
- Removal deadline
- 24 hours after sale
- Residential size
- 5 ft tall, 7 sq ft
- Right-of-way
- No sign placement
- Signs per lot
- Up to 4 detached
Summary
In unincorporated Shelby County, the Unified Development Code sign chapter treats garage and yard-sale signs as temporary signs. They may advertise a lawful occasional sale and must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends.
Signs related to the sale of personal property shall be removed within twenty-four hours after the end of the sale. Signs related to the sale, lease or rental of the premises shall be removed no later than the date on which the deed, lease or other document representing the transaction is completed.
Full Breakdown
Signs advertising a garage, yard, estate, or auction sale are temporary signs under the Memphis/Shelby County UDC, Section 4.9. UDC Sec. 4.9.9 permits temporary signs bearing a commercial message tied to the lawful, occasional sale of personal property, and requires those signs to be removed within twenty-four hours after the sale ends. In residential districts (UDC Sec. 4.9.9B), most residential-use temporary signs may be a maximum of five feet in height and seven square feet in area, set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way and 15 feet from other lot lines, with up to four detached signs per occupied lot. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way. Incorporated cities apply their own sign codes.
Violations & Fines
A garage-sale sign left up more than 24 hours after the sale, exceeding the residential size limit, or placed in the right-of-way violates UDC Sec. 4.9. Failing to remove a lapsed temporary sign is a violation, each day treated separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can garage-sale signs stay up in unincorporated Shelby County?
Can I put a garage-sale sign on the roadside?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee sign regulations overview
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