Murfreesboro, TN Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential holiday inflatables
- No permit, no fee
- Size limit
- 100 sq ft maximum
- ROW setback
- 5 ft plus inflatable height
- Governing section
- Code § 25.2-25(C)(4)
Summary
Home holiday inflatables like giant Santas and snowmen are exempt from sign permits and fees in Murfreesboro's residential zones, but the sign code still caps every stationary inflatable at 100 square feet with a five-foot setback from the right-of-way.
(4)Inflatable signs - stationary:(a)Number - One per lot maximum on-site.(b)Size - 100 square feet maximum.(c)Setback - Five feet plus the inflatable height from R.O.W., and ten feet, plus the inflatable height from power lines.(d)Height - N/A.(e)Illumination - Not allowed.(f)Timing,[1]Seven consecutive days per year maximum for commercial stationary inflatables in those portions of a CH, H-I, L-I, PCD and PID zones, and in commercial use areas of MU and PUD zones, which are outside the GDO Overlay zones;[2]Three consecutive days per year maximum for commercial stationary inflatables in any GDO Overlay zone, PROVIDED that two of the three days must be a consecutive Saturday and Sunday.[3]Non-commercial inflatables are allowed in all non-residential zones for up to 30 consecutive days, with a permit but without any fee.(g)Permit, fee:[1]Permit, fee and refundable deposit of $50.00 required for all commercial stationary inflatables in zones listed in (C)(4)(f)[1] and [2] above.[2]Permit without a fee or deposit required for non-commercial stationary inflatables in all non-residential zones.[3]Non-commercial stationary inflatables are allowed in all residential zones without a permit or fee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Murfreesboro classifies large inflatable lawn decorations as 'inflatable signs' under Code § 25.2-25(C)(4). Non-commercial stationary inflatables, the category covering a homeowner's holiday Santa, snowman, or pumpkin display, are allowed in all residential zones without any permit or fee. The size and placement rules still apply citywide: a 100-square-foot maximum, a setback of five feet plus the inflatable's height from the right-of-way, and ten feet plus height from power lines. Businesses face tighter rules, commercial stationary inflatables outside residential zones need a $50 refundable-deposit permit and are capped at seven consecutive days a year, or three days in GDO Overlay zones.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 100-square-foot size cap or ignoring the right-of-way setback violates the Sign Ordinance; the Chief Building Official can order removal at the owner's expense after notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a holiday inflatable in my yard?
How big can a yard inflatable be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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