Hendersonville, TN Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Exemption
- Two 30-day periods per year
- Consecutive use
- Periods may run back-to-back
- Governing sections
- SS4.7.3.2.C and SS12.3.6.3.B.5
- Over the limit
- Requires Design Review approval
Summary
Hendersonville exempts traditional holiday lighting from its building Design Review process, but only for up to two 30-day display periods per calendar year; the two periods may run back-to-back, covering roughly 60 days total.
Placing neon tubing and strings of LED and similar lighting on a site or building or within the windows or doors of a building if visible from outside the building.
Exception: Traditional holiday lighting displayed for not more than two 30-day periods per calendar year, which periods may run consecutively.
D. Any other external modification which the Planning Department determines to possess design characteristics which merits review to achieve the purpose of this Ordinance. Reasons for the Planning Department's determination shall be clearly stated in writing. Appeals from the Department's determination shall be filed with the Planning Commission within 15 days thereof and resolved by the Planning Commission within 45 days of the filing of the appeal.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 4.7.3.2.C of the Zoning Ordinance requires Design Review approval before placing neon tubing, LED strings, or similar lighting on a site or building, or in windows/doors, if visible from outside. Chapter 12.3.6.3.B.5 repeats the same standard for building trim and accent lighting citywide. Both sections carve out one exception: traditional holiday lighting displayed for no more than two 30-day periods per calendar year, and those two periods can run consecutively. Anything beyond that -- permanent accent lighting, or holiday displays left up longer than the exemption allows -- needs Planning Department or Planning Commission Design Review sign-off before installation.
Violations & Fines
Holiday or accent lighting left up beyond the two 30-day exemption windows without prior Design Review approval is a zoning violation under Section 4.13, a misdemeanor punishable by a $50 fine per day it continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can holiday lights stay up in Hendersonville, TN without a permit?
What triggers Design Review for lighting in Hendersonville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendersonville
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