Shelby County, TN Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Memphis/Shelby County UDC 4.9
- Noncommercial messages
- Always permitted (4.9.10)
- Residential size
- 5 ft tall, 7 sq ft
- Signs per residential lot
- Up to 4 detached
- Post-election removal
- Within 7 days
Summary
In unincorporated Shelby County, the Unified Development Code sign chapter (UDC 4.9) allows any permitted sign to carry a lawful noncommercial message, including political speech, and treats campaign yard signs as temporary residential signs subject to size, number, and setback limits.
Any sign allowed under this Chapter may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit... so long as said sign complies with the size, height, area and other requirements of this Chapter.
Full Breakdown
Political and campaign signs on unincorporated Shelby County land are governed by the Memphis/Shelby County UDC sign regulations, Section 4.9. UDC Sec. 4.9.10 provides that any sign allowed under the chapter may instead carry any lawful noncommercial message, so political signs are permitted wherever a temporary sign is allowed and are not singled out by content. In residential districts (UDC Sec. 4.9.9B), most residential-use temporary signs may not exceed five feet in height and seven square feet in area, must sit at least 10 feet from the right-of-way, and each occupied lot may have up to four detached signs. Election-related signs must be removed within seven days after the election. Cities set their own sign codes.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a political sign that exceeds the residential size limit, ignores the setback, or is not removed within seven days after the election violates UDC Sec. 4.9. Under UDC Sec. 4.9.11 each continued day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are political yard signs allowed in unincorporated Shelby County?
When must I take down campaign signs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee sign regulations overview
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