BANNER SIGN - A type of non-permanent sign made of fabric or flexible material that is secured at four (4) corners by means of fasteners or rope-type lines.

COMPLEX SIGN - A single, shared, primary freestanding sign structure with combined business signs for a shopping center, office complex, or a planned development located at the main entry to the development in place of an individual freestanding sign for each business.

DOWNTOWN BANNER - A type of non-permanent sign in the B-2 Central Business District or B-2E District made of fabric or flexible material that is supported by a pole or rod affixed to an exterior wall and projecting away from the building.

DRONE SIGN - Any sign which utilizes any unmanned aircraft or system that can fly under the control of a remote pilot or guided autopilot mechanism.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD - A variable message medium that utilizes computerized, electronic or mechanical messages, or some other electronic means of changing copy. As part of a freestanding or wall sign, this medium may include displays using electronic screen display technology. This medium enables display changes at the sign site and/or enables changes to be made to displays from locations other than at the sign.

FEATHER BANNER - A flag made of cloth, plastic, or similar material affixed to a single pole which is located outdoors and contains language for advertisement, greeting or similar messaging purposes.

FLASHING SIGN - Signs shall be classified as flashing signs when the rate of copy graphic changes, color, lighting, blinking, or sequence is less than the duration of six (6) seconds per image. Also includes all signs having blinking, flashing, or alternating lights of any kind.

FREE-STANDING SIGN - A sign supported by a sign structure placed in the ground and which is wholly independent of any building, fence, vehicle or object other than the sign structure for support. A freestanding sign may contain a sign or signs on one (1) side only or it may contain signs back-to-back. All faces of a freestanding sign structure constitute one (1) sign.

INTERSTATE ORIENTED SIGN - A free-standing sign located on a parcel adjoining the right-of-way of Interstate 81 within the Border Region Retail Tourism Development District which sign is oriented so that at least one (1) face is visible from Interstate 81 or U.S. Highway 11-W.

MAJOR (DIRECTIONAL) MULTI-TENANT SIGN - A free-standing sign intended to provide directions and located at the primary entrance to a multi-tenant commercial development in the Border Retail District.

MINOR (DIRECTIONAL) MULTI-TENANT SIGN - A free-standing sign intended to provide directions and located within a multi-tenant commercial development in the Border Retail District other than a major (directional) multi-tenant sign.

MONUMENT SIGN - A low-profile, freestanding sign that is permanently attached to the ground with a base or support that has a maximum vertical height of twenty-four (24) inches between the ground and the lowest horizontal line of the primary sign and a maximum height in conformity with the zoning ordinance provisions.

MURAL - A work of art that is painted, drawn, projected, or otherwise applied on the exterior surface of a building, structure, wall or surface with the express permission of the property owner; and is non-commercial in that it does not promote a particular business, service or product.

NONCONFORMING SIGN - Any sign which was lawfully erected prior to the enactment of the Sign Ordinance (November 7, 1981) and prior to any amendment to the Sign Ordinance but which does not conform to the regulations established by that Ordinance and/or subsequent amendments (as incorporated herein, Chapter 13).

NON-PERMANENT SIGN - A sign not permanently attached to the ground, a wall or building, and not designed or intended for permanent display, not including a portable sign.

OFF-PREMISE SIGN - Any sign used for the purpose of displaying, advertising, identifying, or directing attention to a business, service, activity or place, including products or services sold or offered for sale on premises other than on the premises where such sign is displayed.

ON-PREMISE SIGN - Any sign containing information referring to the location on which it the sign is located and which lists any combination of the following: the name, location, products, persons, accommodations, services or activities conducted on or offered at that location, or the sale, lease or construction of that property.

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURE - A sign related to products, services, establishments, entertainment or uses that is affixed to or erected upon a free-standing framework designed or intended to be used for posting information not pertaining directly to the use of the premises on which it is located.

PENNANTS AND STREAMERS - A type of non-permanent sign made of fabric or flexible material which is attached to a fixed object..

POLITICAL SIGN - A sign that advertises for or against a candidate for public elective office or a political party, or that expresses an opinion on a public issue to be decided by ballot. May also be referred to as campaign signs or campaign posters.

PORTABLE SIGN - A sign that is designed and intended to be transported from place to place and is not permanently affixed to the ground or to a building or structure. Portable signs may or may not have wheels.

POST SIGN - A type of non-permanent sign that is constructed of vinyl, plastic wood, metal, or other comparable rigid material, which is displayed on a structure that includes at least two (2) metal or wood posts.

PROJECTING SIGN - A sign other than a wall sign which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building or structure and typically has two (2) or more viewable sides. Only one (1) side shall be counted for measuring its allowable area and for the allowable number of signs. Signs printed on or affixed to awnings and canopies shall also be considered projecting signs.

PRIVATE INFORMATIONAL SIGN - A sign which is located out of view of the public right of way and contains information related to the business on-site. Examples include a menu board or building directory.

REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY - An entertainment facility that provides permanent seating for more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) spectators and is located on a major arterial highway with road frontage of one thousand (1,000) linear feet.

SANDWICH BOARD SIGN - A sign which consists of a portable two-sided A-frame type sign hinged at the apex to be folded into a sandwich position when transported or stored.

SEASONAL DECORATION - Displays, including lighting, which are a non-permanent installation celebrating national, state, local, religious, or cultural holidays, containing no commercial message.

SKY DANCER - A sign with freestanding tubes which often simulate the shape of a person into which air is forced to inflate and animate.

SNIPE SIGN - A sign of any size, made of any material, including paper, cardboard, wood and metal, when such sign is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, fences or other objects, and the advertising matter appearing thereon is not applicable to the premises upon which said sign is located.

SIGN - Any device for visual communication; including any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, ribbon, banner, product for sale, illustration, or insignia; which is used to attract the attention of persons in order to advertise or promote the interests of any business, industry, individual, group, or enterprise when same is placed within view of a public right-of-way.

SIGN AREA - The area of a single face of a sign, not including supporting devices that are not part of the sign display itself. If the sign consists of more than one (1) section, all areas are totaled to determine sign area.

SIGN ORDINANCE - A short term for "AN ORDINANCE amending Section 11-217 of the Bristol Municipal Code to regulate Signs, Billboards and Advertising Structures," passed by City Council in October 1981, and enacted as of November 7, 1981. This Ordinance, as amended, is Chapter 13 of the Zoning Ordinance.

SINGLE POST BRACKET SIGN - A free-standing sign supported by the extended arm of a single post.

SITE BANNER - A type of non-permanent sign made of fabric or flexible material; which is secured at four (4) corners by means of fasteners or rope-type lines. The banner may be mounted from stakes on the ground or secured to an existing permanent sign structure.

VERTICALLY ORIENTED POLE BANNER - A type of non-permanent sign, made of fabric or a flexible material (not cardboard, wood, rigid plastics or similar rigid material), securely affixed to a light pole and designed not to rotate, move, or spin so as to be distracting to motorists or create a traffic hazard.

WALL BANNER - A type of non-permanent sign made of fabric or flexible material; which is secured at four (4) corners by means of fasteners or rope-type lines to the wall of a building.

WALL SIGN - A sign that is attached to or painted on the exterior wall of a structure with the display surface of the sign approximately parallel to the building wall.

WINDOW SIGN - Any sign, pictures, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the widow panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.

YARD SIGN - A type of non-permanent sign that is constructed of paper, vinyl, plastic, wood, metal, or other comparable material, which is mounted on a stake or a frame structure (often made from wire) that includes one (1) or more stakes.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

These regulations are for the purpose of eliminating confusing, distracting, and unsafe signs; to assure the efficient and necessary informational signage needs of business; to ensure adequate light, air and open space, to enhance traffic safety; and to foster a good visual environment in the city.

These regulations are not intended to infringe on the rights to free speech and free expression protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by the Tennessee Constitution. These regulations are to be construed whenever possible to protect the rights of residents and visitors to speak freely. Unless explicitly provided otherwise in the Sign Ordinance, all provisions of the Sign Ordinance are to be interpreted in a content-neutral manner.

Should any provision of this Sign Ordinance be held invalid by a Court acting within its jurisdiction, such invalid provision shall be severed from the Sign Ordinance and the remainder of the Sign Ordinance shall continue with full force and effect.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

1.

Permit Required Unless Otherwise Provided Herein. No person shall erect, construct, affix, paint to create a new sign, alter, or relocate a sign until an application has been submitted in the form required by the City Manager, accompanied by the appropriate permit fee, and after a sign permit is issued in accordance with this section. The permit fee shall be established and modified by the City Council from time to time. Normal maintenance and repair shall not require a permit. This provision shall not apply to signs which are allowed without a permit under Section Z-1305.

2.

Code Compliance. All signs must comply with all applicable building, electrical, and other codes. The city manager may order the installation or electrical connection of any sign to be stopped, or may order the removal, repair, or electrical disconnecting of any preexisting sign, when deemed necessary to ensure compliance with applicable building, electrical, or other codes, or for public safety. The issuance of a Sign Permit, which certifies compliance with this section, must pre-date the issuance of building or electrical permits.

3.

Abandoned Signs. At the time a business or other use at a location moves to another location or ceases to exist, all signage pertaining to said prior establishment must be removed within thirty (30) days after notification by the city at the property owner's expense.

4.

Maintenance. The sign owner shall perform regular maintenance to prevent deterioration of all signs, including non-permanent and permanent signs. Any sign not maintained in a state of good repair shall be removed at the property owner's expense within thirty (30) days of notification.

5.

Sign Measurement. Sign area shall be measured by encompassing all sign panels, brand logos, and brand symbols, with a single rectangle, square, circle, or other geometric shape that best fits the outer-most edges of the sign panel, brand logo, or brand symbol. Advertising panels, logos, and symbols separated by distinctive areas, spaces or filling panels may be measured separately. Only one (1) side of a multi-sided sign shall be measured to determine allowable area.

6.

Sign Lighting. All signage lighting shall conform to Section 50-30 of the Code of Ordinances.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

Subject to the termination provisions herein stated, lawful nonconforming signs (but excluding nonconforming portable signs) may continue in operation provided the sign is not enlarged, moved, or replaced. If such a sign is brought into compliance with the rest of Chapter 13, it may be then treated as a conforming sign and not be subject to these termination provisions.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

The following signs are allowed without a sign permit provided that all applicable sign regulations are followed and any required building or electrical permits are obtained:

1.

Official Signs. Signs used by a Federal, State, County, or City Government, or by Public Agencies, that are directional, regulatory, or informational in nature. Official signs may be attached to utility poles with appropriate utility approval.

2.

Non-permanent Signs as identified in Section Z-1307, except sandwich board signs.

3.

Political Signs. Political signs as regulated by Tennessee Code Annotated §2-7-143.

4.

Private Traffic Direction Signs. Signs guiding the movement of traffic on private property, not to exceed ten (10) square feet in size and four (4) feet in height.

5.

Seasonal Decorations. Seasonal decorations displayed during the season to which they pertain.

6.

Federal, State, City, Military or Corporate Flags though permanent flag poles must be installed in accordance with applicable building codes and may require a building permit.

7.

Tourist or Boarding House Signs. In residential districts, neither exceeding two (2) square feet, nor illuminated.

8.

Window signs not exceeding fifty (50) percent of the total window area and which provide adequate visibility for security and public safety.

9.

Private Informational Signs.

10.

Murals.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

1.

Signs that imitate traffic signs or signals. Signs which imitate or resemble official traffic signs or signals, or may be confused with traffic control devices, or contain words such as, "Stop", "Go", "Slow", "Danger", "Caution", "Warning", and "Yield", with the exception of funeral signs; provided further, that funeral signs do not exceed six (6) square feet in size and four (4) feet in height, and are limited to not more than two (2) signs placed in the immediate area of need.

2.

Signs that obscure. A sign that obscures from view a traffic control device or sign, or blocks or obstructs the line of sight at intersections or driveways.

3.

Signs in the right-of-way. Signs in any public right-of-way except official signs and other signs authorized by the City Manager pursuant to Sec. 62-10 of the Code of Ordinances.

4.

Illegal Signs. A sign erected after the adoption of this section which is not in conformance with the provisions of this section.

5.

Snipe Signs.

6.

Flashing Signs.

7.

Disorienting Signs. Signs that use lighting which causes glare, disorientation, or otherwise is distracting to motorists and creates a traffic hazard.

8.

Portable signs after January 1, 2010.

9.

Off-premises signs except for:

1.

Outdoor advertising structures as permitted by Section Z-1315 of this chapter.

2.

Non-permanent signs in residential zones.

10.

Drone Signs.

11.

Misleading or Confusing Signs.

12.

Pennants and Streamers and Sky Dancers.

13.

Portable Signs: The provision for portable signs was repealed as of December 31, 2009 by Ordinance 07-2.

14.

Any sign not expressly permitted by this Ordinance.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

1.

Residential Districts. Non-permanent signs may be displayed in residential districts with the permission of the property owner/leaseholder. No more than two (2) non-permanent signs may be located on any parcel at the same time. Any combination of yard sign or post sign may be selected per the following chart.

2.

Commercial Districts. Non-permanent signs may be displayed in commercial districts with the permission of the property owner/leaseholder. The types and number of signs allowed per zoning district are included in Table 13.B and 13.C.

Site banners may be utilized as a additional type of sign during approved time periods. Two (2) site banners shall be allowed on any commercially zoned parcel, not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in size. Banners must be set back from the right-of-way at least ten (10) feet and are permitted for a period not to exceed seven (7) consecutive days. Up to two (2) non-consecutive seven (7) day periods during a calendar year, in conjunction with community events as authorized by the city manager.

3.

Industrial Districts. Non-permanent signs may be displayed in industrial districts with the permission of the property owner/leaseholder. No more than two (2) non-permanent signs may be located on any parcel at the same time. Any combination of yard sign or post sign may be selected per the following chart.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025; Ord. No. 25-17, §§ A—E, 9-9-2025)

Reserved.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

a.

A wall sign shall not protrude more than eighteen (18) inches from the wall to which it is attached.

b.

A wall sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet of area for each linear foot of building face parallel to a public right-of-way. A wall sign may be placed on a wall that is not parallel to a public right of way, but the amount of sign area that is permitted on each building is determined solely by the wall(s) parallel to a public right-of- way.

c.

Wall signage may not extend above the roofline or canopy structure.

d.

Wall mounted signs may include projecting signage. Projecting signs shall comply with the following provisions:

1.

Minimum height. Eight (8) feet above the entrance sidewalk or pavement surface.

2.

Maximum Projection. Shall project no more than five (5) feet from the building.

3.

Within the B-2 Central Business District and B-2E Central Business Expansion District, flat mounted and projecting signs, including those attached to an awning, may be approved within an area dimensionally within (above) the public right-of-way providing all attachments, including a license agreement, are approved.

e.

A wall-mounted sign on an existing building may be temporarily covered or replaced with a banner due to a change in ownership or business-name change for a period up to six (6) months provided:

1.

A permit is secured;

2.

The permit fee is paid;

3.

The banner is securely fastened and fully complies with the placement locations set forth in Z-1307; and

4.

The banner does not exceed the maximum sign allowance for a wall-mounted sign.

f.

The maximum allowed total combined area of all wall-mounted signs in the Residential Office (R-O) District is three (3) square feet.

The use of a banner as a non-permanent replacement for a permanent wall-mounted sign shall not be deemed to constitute a wall-mounted banner permitted in Z-1307.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

Freestanding signs must comply with the following standards:

a.

Minimum Setback from Property Line(s). Five (5) feet, except:

1.

At corner lots - ten (10) feet, or as required by Planning Commission Staff in cases in which traffic visibility may be impaired.

2.

At establishments (either allowed or preexisting nonconforming) in residential zones - fifteen (15) feet.

3.

When the existing structures along a road frontage are set back less than the minimum front yard requirements, the sign setback may be less than the minimum, but not less than the average setback of all signs in the same block and zone within two hundred (200) feet of the site of proposed sign. In any case, the sign shall not be located within a street right-of-way.

b.

Number of Freestanding Signs Allowed.

1.

Each lot or parcel (inclusive of leased parcels or out-parcels) or group of lots or parcels used by one (1) establishment or group of establishments within a single structure shall be permitted one (1) freestanding sign.

2.

For lots with frontage on two (2) intersecting public rights of way, one (1) freestanding sign shall be permitted on each frontage, provided that each sign is placed a minimum of fifty (50) feet from the intersecting street right of way line. The sign area for one (1) street frontage may not be transferred to or combined with the sign area on the other street frontage.

(a)

For lots with frontage of four hundred (400) feet or more along a public right of way, one (1) additional freestanding sign shall be permitted with a maximum number of freestanding signs of two (2) for non-corner lots and three (3) for lots on intersecting rights-of-way. When two (2) signs are allowed on a single street frontage under this provision, they must be separated by a minimum distance of two hundred (200) feet.

i.

Shopping centers, office complexes, and other groups of buildings that include two (2) or more business or buildings and are part of a cohesive development approved with an overall site plan, shall be permitted one (1) shared complex sign for each street frontage in lieu of individual freestanding signs.

ii.

Minimum Ground Clearance. Seven (7) feet (exception - signage in landscaped areas, away from pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and not blocking traffic visibility).

c.

Maximum Sign Area and Height for Freestanding Signs allowed in each Zoning District.

1.

The following standards apply in all districts:

(a)

Regardless of result generated from the formula included in the Sign Area Allowed column of the Freestanding Sign Chart, no freestanding sign shall be limited to less than thirty-two (32) feet.

(b)

Sign height shall be measured from the crown of the adjacent public roadway. In no case will a freestanding sign be required to have a height less than ten (10) feet measured from the average grade of the land surrounding it.

(c)

Signs placed near an intersection of two (2) public streets must be a minimum of ten (10) feet from each property line and must meet the sight triangle requirements.

(d)

Complex Signs. The linear footage shall be measured at the side of the building providing the primary building entrance. Only one (1) building side for each building may be utilized for computation purposes.

2.

The standards included apply in each specific zoning district in the Freestanding Sign Chart are specific to each zoning district.

Expand

TABLE 13.E Freestanding Sign Chart
Zoning and Sign Type	Sign Area Allowed	Maximum Size	Maximum Height	Minimum Setback	Additional Standards
B-1A, B-1B
Freestanding Monument Complex, Freestanding Complex, Monument	0.75 square feet/linear ft building face* 1.0 square feet/linear ft building face* 0.75 square feet/linear ft building face* 1.0 square feet/linear ft building face* * parallel to public ROW	75 sf 100 sf 150 sf 200 sf	25 ft 10 ft 25 ft 10 ft	5 ft 5 ft 5 ft 5 ft	For lots that are allowed 2 freestanding signs on a single street frontage under the provisions of Section Z-1310.b.2, the sign area shall be determined by the formula with a maximum area of 150 square feet for a freestanding sign or two hundred (200) square feet for a monument sign. The sign area may be split between two separate signs or combined into one.
B-2 and B-2E
Freestanding Monument Complex, Freestanding Complex, Monument	1.0 square feet/linear ft building face* 1.25 square feet/linear ft building face* 1.0 square feet/linear ft building face* 1.25 square feet/linear ft building face* * parallel to public ROW	100 sf 125 sf 200 sf 250 sf	25 ft 10 ft 25 ft 10 ft	5 ft 5 ft 5 ft 5 ft	For lots that are allowed 2 freestanding signs on a single street frontage under the provisions of Section Z-1310.b.2, the sign area shall be determined by the formula with a maximum area of 150 square feet for a freestanding sign or two hundred (200) square feet for a monument sign. The sign area may be split between two separate signs or combined into one.
B-3 & PBD
Freestanding Monument Complex, Freestanding Complex, Monument	1.0 square feet/linear ft building face* 1.25 square feet/linear ft building face* 1.0 square feet/linear ft building face* 1.25 square feet/linear ft building face* * parallel to public ROW	120 sf 150 sf 240 sf 300 sf	30 ft 10 ft 30 ft 10 ft - 240 square feet or less, 15 ft - 241 square feet or more	5 ft 5 ft 5 ft A 5 ft	For lots that are allowed 2 freestanding signs on a single street frontage under the provisions of Section Z-1310.b.2, the sign area shall be determined by the formula with a maximum area of 150 square feet for a freestanding sign or two hundred (200) square feet for a monument sign. The sign area may be split between two separate signs or combined into one.
M-1, M-2, & M-3
Freestanding Monument Complex, Freestanding Complex, Monument	1.0 square feet/linear ft building face 1.25 square feet/linear ft building face 1.0 square feet/linear ft building face 1.25 square feet/linear ft building face	120 sf 150 sf 240 sf 300 sf	30 ft 10 ft 30 ft 10 ft, 240 square feet or less 15 ft, 241 square feet or more	5 ft 5 ft 5 ft 5 ft
R-O
Freestanding	N/A	6 sf	6 ft	5 ft
R-M, R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, MH & PRD
Freestanding or Monument	All permitted signs allowed 32 square feet	32 sf	10 ft	15 ft
Open Space and Reserved (O-S)
Freestanding or Monument	N/A	64 sf	10 ft	10 ft front yard & 50 ft side yard

 

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

a.

Except as provided in Section Z-1305.1, an Electronic Message Board shall be permitted on non-residential property in the B-2E (Central Business Expansion), B-3 (General Business), PBD (Planned Business), M-1(Light Industrial/Business), M-2 (General Industrial), and M-3 (Heavy Industrial) Districts, provided:

1.

Not more than one (1) Electronic Message Board may be placed on a lot or parcel (inclusive of leased parcels or out-parcels).

2.

Electronic message boards shall include an automatic dimmer. The maximum allowable brightness of an electronic message board shall not exceed four thousand (4,000) Nits during the hours between sunrise and sunset and one thousand (1,000) Nits after sunset and before sunrise.

3.

An electronic message board may be allowed as part of the lot or parcel's free-standing or wall signage but not both.

4.

Flashing Signs are prohibited.

5.

Electronic message boards may not be used to advertise businesses or events that are not on-premises.

6.

The portion of a sign utilized for an electronic message board with changing copy is one hundred (100) percent of the total sign advertising area, except as otherwise provided herein for Regional Entertainment Facilities.

7.

Electronic Message Boards used in Outdoor Advertising Structures are governed in accordance with Section Z-1314.

8.

Preexisting signs may continue in conformance (or be rebuilt if necessary) in accordance with Section Z-206 - Nonconforming Uses.

9.

Electronic message boards shall not interfere with traffic signal devices as determined by the engineering division.

10.

Signage shall be limited to text, images and still pictures only. Scrolling or flashing text, video, or animation of any type is prohibited.

b.

Electronic message board signs are allowed in any residential districts and the B-2 (Central Business), B-1A (Limited/Institutional), and B-1B (Neighborhood Shopping/Office Zone) Districts for municipally owned or operated facilities, provided:

1.

No more than one (1) electronic message board shall be permitted for each facility provided that the cumulative size of the site on which the facility is located is a minimum of two (2) acres.

2.

Electronic message boards shall include an automatic dimmer. The maximum allowable brightness of an electronic message board shall not exceed four thousand (4,000) Nits during the hours between sunrise and sunset and one thousand (1,000) Nits after sunset and before sunrise.

3.

Electronic message boards may not be used to advertise businesses or events that are not on-premises.

4.

The electronic message board must be a part of the primary freestanding sign with a maximum size of fifty (50) square feet per side or a part of the wall sign. The maximum height and setback requirements are as permitted in the underlying zoning district.

5.

Hours of operation for electronic message boards in residential districts and the B-2, B-1A, and B-1B districts are from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and boards must be turned off completely by 10:00 p.m. each night.

6.

Electronic message boards shall not interfere with traffic signal devices as determined by the engineering division.

7.

Signage shall be limited to text, images and still pictures only. Scrolling or flashing text, video, or animation of any type is prohibited.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

Signage for regional entertainment facilities may be allowed as follows:

a.

The sign must be a permanent, freestanding structure.

b.

The minimum setback from property line: Ten (10) feet, unless located on a corner, which shall require fifteen (15) feet.

c.

The maximum height is forty-five (45) feet

d.

The allowable square footage is:

1.

Total advertising area: Maximum of one thousand (1,000) square feet.

2.

Electronic Messaging shall be limited to fifty-five (55) percent of the total sign advertising area, no greater than the maximum of five hundred fifty (550) square feet.

e.

The number of Regional Entertainment Facilities Signs allowed is limited to one (1) freestanding sign per arterial roadway frontage.

f.

Electronic Messaging: permitted based upon the definition of Electronic Message Sign.

g.

Automatic nighttime dimming devices must be installed and operational at all times. Dimming specifications shall be as in the Federal Highway Administration Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Flashing signs are prohibited.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

Businesses located in a commercial development within the Border Region Retail Tourism Development District shall be allowed signage as provided in this subdivision or as provided in the underlying zoning district, but the regulations of each section may not be mixed.

a.

Perimeter Development Advertising. Interstate oriented signs are permitted on parcels which are within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the Interstate 81 right-of-way subject to the following:

1.

Each such parcel shall be allowed one (1) interstate oriented sign.

2.

Maximum sign area shall not exceed eight hundred (800) square feet.

3.

Maximum sign height (from grade) shall not exceed sixty (60) feet.

4.

Sign must be located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the Interstate 81 right-of-way.

b.

Internal Development Advertising. Major (Directional) multi-tenant signs shall be limited as follows:

1.

Maximum sign area shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet.

2.

Maximum sign height (from grade) shall not exceed forty (40) feet.

3.

Orientation shall be such that face of sign is visible from a major arterial roadway.

c.

Minor (Directional) multi-tenant signs shall be limited as follows:

1.

Maximum sign area shall not exceed two hundred forty (240) square feet.

2.

Maximum sign height (from grade) shall not exceed thirty (30) feet.

d.

Other free-standing signs shall be allowed as provided in Section Z-1310.b. but limited as follows:

1.

Maximum sign area shall not exceed thirty-five (35) square feet.

2.

Maximum sign height (from grade) shall not exceed ten (10) feet.

3.

Section Z-1310.c.1 a. and b. shall not apply.

e.

Wall Mounted Signs shall be limited as follows:

1.

Maximum sign area shall not exceed three (3) square feet for each linear foot of building face that is parallel to a public street or to an officially named private right-of-way.

2.

Maximum sign height shall not exceed the roofline of the structure.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

Recreational Vehicle Development Signage. Recreational Vehicle Developments are allowed the following signage:

a.

Recreational Vehicle Developments are allowed one (1) freestanding sign or one (1) monument sign.

1.

Freestanding signs. For recreational vehicle developments approved under Section Z-226, a maximum area of one hundred twenty (120) square feet.

2.

Monument signs are allowed with a maximum area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

b.

For corner properties, each street frontage shall be considered separately.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

a.

Outdoor advertising structures are not permitted.

b.

Outdoor advertising structures in existence prior to March 20, 2020 may be maintained, improved or replaced in their current locations as provided by T.C.A. 13-7-208(h) and the following regulations:

1.

Each outdoor advertising structure must be mounted on a painted steel monopole structure.

2.

Outdoor advertising structures may contain digital messages provided that such messages:

a.

Remain static for a minimum of six (6) seconds with a maximum change time of two (2) seconds;

b.

Do not contain video, continuous scrolling messages or animation; and

c.

Digital message boards shall include an automatic dimmer. The maximum allowable brightness shall not exceed four thousand (4,000) nits during the hours between sunrise and sunset and one thousand (1,000) nits after sunset and before sunrise.

3.

The minimum height of an outdoor advertising structure shall be fifteen (15) feet above grade as measured from the bottom of the face, and the maximum height of an outdoor advertising structure shall be forty-five (45) feet above grade as measured from the top of the face.

4.

Each outdoor advertising structure shall be subject to an annual fee to be fixed by the City Manager.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

All signage lighting shall conform to Section 50-30 (Outdoor Lighting) of the Code of Ordinances.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)

Panel designed signs. The sign area for panel designed signs shall be measured by encompassing all sign panels, brand logos, and brand symbols, with a single rectangle, square, circle, or other geometric shape that best fits the outer-most edges of the sign panel, brand logo, or brand symbol. Advertising panels, logos, and symbols separated by distinctive areas, spaces or filling panels may be measured separately.

Channel letters. Channel letters and brand logos or brand symbols shall be measured by encompassing all letters, brand logos, and brand symbols with a single rectangle, square, circle or other geometric shape that best fits the outer-most edges of the letters, logos, and symbols.

Computation and Measurement of Sign Area. The following diagrams provide guidance and examples of the computation and measurement of sign area.

(Ord. No. 25-4, § A(Exh. A), 4-1-2025)