Franklin, TN Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Campaign and political signs in Franklin operate under a layered state-and-local framework. (1) State preemption — TCA 2-7-143 (Tennessee Freedom of Speech Act) prohibits any local government or HOA from regulating the shape or quantity of political campaign signs placed on private residential property by the owner or resident, provided the signs are more than 100 feet from a polling place. Local governments may limit size to a maximum of sixteen (16) square feet on residential property. Property owners or legal residents may place campaign signs on their own private property for sixty (60) days prior to a general election (including early voting period) until one (1) day after that general election. A lessor may require written lessor permission in the lease/rental agreement before a tenant posts campaign signage. Within 100 feet of a polling place, all campaign posters, signs, or banners are prohibited per TCA Title 2 Chapter 7. (2) Local Franklin rules — Franklin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 15 (Signs), effective January 13, 2026 under Ordinance 2025-25, treats 'campaign signs' as a distinct category separately regulated by TCA 2-7-143. Chapter 15 imposes a flat prohibition on signs within the public right-of-way: 'Signs shall not be placed within the public right-of-way' except a narrow list (government signs, certain sandwich-board signs in historic districts, projecting building signs). 'All other signs placed in the right-of-way shall be forfeited to the public and shall be immediately confiscated.' Signs may not be attached to utility or light poles, traffic signs, street signs, or medians. Signs may not obscure the view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic or hide prominent architectural features. (3) HOA rules — under TCA 2-7-143, HOAs may not prohibit campaign signs in the 60-day pre-election to 1-day post-election window on owner residential property but may adopt reasonable rules about placement and size (subject to the 16 sq ft state cap). (4) Enforcement is by Franklin Building & Neighborhood Services (615-794-7012). Right-of-way signs are removed immediately. Per Title 13 / Municipal Court, each day a continuing violation can be treated as a separate offense.