Franklin, TN Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

Holiday displays in Franklin are not separately regulated as a category. The Franklin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 15 (Signs) — effective 1/13/2026 under Ord. 2025-25 — regulates 'signs' (devices bearing commercial or noncommercial messages). Generic holiday decorations such as wreaths, garlands, lights, and inflatables that do not advertise or convey a specific message are not treated as signs and have no specific take-down deadline in the City Code. Flags, however, ARE capped at three (3) per lot under Chapter 15, and general non-campaign temporary signs are capped at two (2) per lot and may not be displayed for more than three (3) months out of any 12-month period (this restriction is currently subject to constitutional challenge by FIRE in an April 2025 letter to the city, but remains the operative code). Temporary signs on residential lots are capped at 6 sq ft per side, freestanding height max 6 ft, illumination prohibited. Beyond Chapter 15, several other limits apply: (1) Title 13, Chapter 1 (Property Maintenance Regulations) and Section 13-106 (Health and Sanitation Nuisances) make it unlawful to permit premises one owns or occupies to become or remain in a filthy or hazardous condition; lights aimed so as to create driver glare or shine directly into a neighbor's window may be cited as a nuisance. (2) Inflatables, motors, or audio that constitutes a nuisance can be cited under Title 11 (Municipal Offenses) and Title 13. (3) Decorations may not be placed in the public right-of-way or block sight triangles at corner lots under the Zoning Ordinance. (4) HOAs in Franklin (and there are many in subdivisions across the city) may impose take-down deadlines and aesthetic restrictions independently of the City. (5) Each day a violation continues is considered a separate offense and Franklin Municipal Court may levy a fine for each offense (Title 13, Chapter 1).