The purpose of this chapter is to regulate and control all exterior signs, canopies, awnings and other displays in order to preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City of Knoxville. Further, it is intended to: encourage the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs; enhance the physical appearance of the City; reduce visual clutter; prevent blighting influences; protect property values; provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, and property by regulating and controlling the size, height, design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification and maintenance of all signs and sign structures; and authorize the use of signs which are compatible with their surroundings. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

Landscape features such as plant materials, berms, boulders, fencing and similar design elements unincorporated or in conjunction with freestanding signs are encouraged and shall not be counted as allowable sign area. The base of signs shall be landscaped so as to conceal footings, mountings, brackets, and related structural elements. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

The following definitions are used in this chapter: (Note: Not all types of signs defined herein are permitted under this chapter.)

ABANDONED SIGN: A sign which no longer correctly advertises a bona fide business, owner, landlord/tenant, product or activity conducted, or product available on the premises where the sign is displayed.

ANIMATED SIGN: Any sign or part of a sign which changes physical position by movement or rotation, or gives the illusion of such change of physical position.

AREA OF COPY: The entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles which encloses the extreme limits of an advertising message, announcement, or decoration.

AREA OF SIGN: The area is the perimeter which forms the outside shape, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed unless they are designed as part of the sign. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled. The area of an irregularly shaped sign shall be computed using the actual sign face surface.

AWNING: A movable hood or cover which projects from the wall of the building, which can be retracted, folded or collapsed against the face of a supporting structure. For purposes of this chapter, an "awning sign" is any awning. Decorative awnings without lettering or imagery are not considered signs.

BANNER: A banner sign is generally constructed of a flexible nonrigid material (i.e., canvas, cloth, plastic, etc.) upon which goods, events or advertising has been placed, mounted to a pole or a building by a permanent frame at one or more edges. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners.

BILLBOARD: A flat surface, as of a panel, wall or fence on which signs are posted advertising goods, products, facilities, or services not necessarily on the premises where the sign is located or directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located.

BLANKETING: The unreasonable obstruction of view of a sign caused by the placement of another sign.

BUILDING FRONT: The horizontal, linear dimension of that side of a building which faces a street, a parking area, a mall, or other circulation area open to the general public; and having either a main window display of the enterprise or a public entrance to the building. (In industrial districts a building side with an entrance open to industrial employees also shall qualify as a building front.)

BULLETIN BOARD: A sign used for the purpose of notification to the public of an event or occurrence of public interest, such as a church service, political rally, civic meeting or other similar event.

CANOPY: Any structure of canvas, other fabric, plastic, metal or wood or other material, which is permanently attached to any exterior building wall in any manner, intended to shield any wall, window, door, sidewalk or roadway from sun, rain or any other element, and which is not retractable such as an awning.

CANOPY SIGN: Any sign attached to or constructed in, on or under a canopy. For the purpose of this chapter, canopy signs shall be controlled by the rules governing projecting signs.

COPY AREA: The geometric area in square feet that encloses the actual copy message of the sign.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Any sign that directs the movement or placement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a lot and does not contain any advertising copy.

DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN: Any sign designed to give any artificial light directly through any transparent or translucent material from a source of light originating within or on such sign.

DIRECTORY SIGN: Any sign on which the names and locations of occupants or the use of a building is given. This shall include offices and church directories. Directory signs shall be encouraged or used with advertising of multiple-occupied commercial and industrial buildings.

DISTANCE OF SIGN PROJECTION: The distance from the exterior wall surface of the building to the outer extremity of a sign attached to a building.

ELECTRIC SIGN: Any sign containing internal electrical wiring which is attached, or intended to be attached, to an electrical energy source.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE UNIT SIGN: Any sign whose message may be changed by electronic process, including such messages as copy, art, graphics, time, date, temperature, weather or information concerning civic, charitable or the advertising of products or services for sale on the premises. This also includes traveling or segmented message displays.

FLAG: Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, lettering, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, advertisement, or other entity. For purposes of this chapter, a "temporary flag" is any flag which can easily be removed and is typically used for special events or occasions.

FLAGPOLE: Any structure, pole or device which is erected for purposes of displaying flags. For purposes of this chapter, small flags which are attached to a residential dwelling and less than six feet (6') in length do not require a permit.

FLAT SIGN/FLUSH MOUNTED: See definition of Wall Sign.

FORMULA, SIGN AREA: The area of a sign is determined by the city manager or his/her designee using actual dimensions, where practical, or approximate dimensions when irregularity of a sign shape warrants. The area of each sign type is to be measured by one of the following:

   A.   The sign area shall be the sum of the area of two (2) contiguous rectangles or squares that enclose the extreme points or edges of all copy, logos, and symbols of said sign.

   B.   The sign area shall be the area of one rectangle or square that encloses the extreme edges of the entire sign structure.

FREESTANDING (GROUND AND/OR PYLON SIGN): Any sign which is supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building.

GRADE: The elevation or level of the sidewalk closest to the sign to which reference is made. If no sidewalk is present, then grade shall be defined as the elevation or level of the street at the same point, measured at the street's centerline.

GROUND SIGN: A sign supported by poles, uprights or braces extending from the ground or an object on the ground but not attached to any part of any building. Also known as a "freestanding sign".

HEIGHT OF SIGN: The vertical distance measured from the mean centerline street grade to the highest point of the sign. If sign and sidewalk are not in essentially parallel planes, then measured vertically at the horizontal midpoint of the sign.

IDENTIFICATION SIGN: Any sign which carries only the name of the firm, major enterprise, institution or principal products offered for sale on the premises or combination of these.

ILLUMINATED SIGN: A sign, canopy, awning or other display device lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or in the sign or directed toward the sign.

JOINT IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A sign which serves a common or collective identification for two (2) or more businesses or industrial uses on the same lot. Such sign may contain a directory to said uses as an integral part thereof.

LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign which was already in existence and displayed on the effective date of this chapter, which met code requirements when originally installed, but not meeting the requirements and limitations of this chapter.

MARQUEE: A permanent rooflike structure projecting beyond a building wall at an entrance to a building or extending along and projecting beyond the building's wall and generally designed and constructed to provide protection against weather.

MARQUEE SIGN: Any sign attached to or constructed in a marquee.

MONUMENT SIGN: Any structure erected, constructed, or otherwise placed to commemorate a person, event, organization or group in remembrance of historic times, cultural heritage, or simply as an example of historic architecture. For purposes of this chapter, monument signs include features similar to those of signs, including logos or insignia, seals, text, or other means of identification.

NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign which does not conform to the regulations of this chapter.

ON PREMISES SIGN: A sign identifying or advertising a business, person, activity, goods, products or services located on premises where the sign is installed and maintained.

PAINTED WALL SIGNS: Signs painted directly onto a building wall.

POLITICAL SIGN: Any sign displaying a candidate for an election, or a current referendum's or election's subject matter.

PROJECTING SIGN: A sign other than a wall sign which projects from a wall or roof and is supported by a wall of a building. (See definition of Wall Sign.)

PYLON SIGN: Any freestanding sign mounted on a pole or other pylon.

REAL ESTATE SIGN: Any sign used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.

ROOF SIGN: A sign erected upon or above the roofline or parapet of the building or structure.

ROOFLINE: The highest point on any building where an exterior wall encloses usable floor area including roof area provided for housing mechanical equipment.

SANDWICH SIGN: A hinged or unhinged, A-frame, portable sign which is generally temporary in nature and placed near the roadway.

SIGN: Any object or device or part thereof situated outdoors or indoors which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, motion, illumination or projected images.

SIGN CONTRACTOR: Any person, partnership or corporation engaged in whole or in part, in the business of erection or maintenance of signs, excluding the business which the sign advertises.

SIGN PERMIT: A building permit issued for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, moving, improvement, removal, conversion or demolition of any sign, issued pursuant to this chapter and the building code of the city of Knoxville.

SIGN STRUCTURE: Any supports, uprights, braces and framework of the sign which does not include any portion of the sign message.

SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A sign identifying a subdivision wherein only the name of the subdivision is specified.

SWINGING SIGN: A sign installed on an arm or mast that is not permanently fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole.

TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign which is erected or displayed for a limited period of time not to exceed thirty (30) consecutive days or which is displayed only during regular business hours and removed for storage at other times. A sign permit is not required for temporary signs, and temporary signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area.

THIRD PARTY SIGN: Any sign which advertises or directs attention to a business, commodity, service or activity conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than on the lot on which said sign is located.

TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN: An electrically controlled sign displaying time and temperature for public service information and may be incorporated into a business identification sign.

WALL SIGN: Any sign attached to, erected on or painted on the wall of a building or structure and projecting not more than twelve inches (12") from such wall.

WINDOW SIGN: Any sign located completely within an enclosed building and visible from a public way. For purposes of this chapter, a window sign shall not include any sign permanently attached in the window or directly painted on the glass. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

Except those signs specified in section 9-17-5 of this chapter, no "sign", "awning", "canopy", or display device as defined in this chapter shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a sign permit and without being in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

   A.   Structural Requirements:

      1.   Signs also shall meet all other structural requirements of other applicable codes and ordinances of the city of Knoxville.

      2.   Signs or sign structures shall not be erected or altered until a permit has been issued by the city manager or his/her designee. "Altered" shall be defined as any modification in the size, height, dimensions, location or mounting of a sign other than routine maintenance.

      3.   Any sign permit granted hereunder may not be assigned or transferred to any other sign or modified sign face or sign structure.

   B.   Application For A Permit: Any person, firm, corporation or organization desiring to place, erect, alter or relocate a "sign", as herein defined, except an exempt sign, shall make application to the city manager or his/her designee and shall provide in writing the following information:

      1.   The name, address and telephone number of the applicant.

      2.   The name and address of the owner or owners of the premises upon which the sign is to be attached or erected. If the applicants are not the property owners, written proof of consent from the property owner upon which the sign(s) are to be erected and maintained shall also be required.

      3.   The street address and/or tax parcel number of the land upon which the sign is to be attached or erected.

      4.   A legible scaled drawing with description and dimensions (height, colors, shape, etc.) of the sign(s) to be erected or maintained under that permit and the sign's proposed location on the building or site.

      5.   The basic materials to be used in the construction of the sign.

      6.   A description of all electrical equipment if the sign is to be lighted or illuminated.

      7.   Proof of payment of the appropriate sign permit fee, when required.

      8.   Any other item of information that may be reasonably required by the city manager or his/her designee for the purpose of application evaluation.

   C.   Permit Issuance/Denial: The following information is related to sign permit issuance:

      1.   All sign permit applications shall be reviewed by the city manager or his/her designee who shall grant or deny such applications within ten (10) business days of receipt of the complete application and payment of fee. If the sign meets the requirements of this chapter and all other ordinances of the city, a sign permit shall be granted.

      2.   If the sign permit is denied or requires a variance, the sign permit applicant may appeal to the board of adjustment and request a variance.

      3.   No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign, nor shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate an unlawful sign.

      4.   The applicant shall, upon completion of the installation, relocation or alteration of the sign, notify the city manager or his/her designee who may inspect the premises to inspect whether the sign complies with the regulations of this chapter.

   D.   Permit Revocation; Appeal:

      1.   A sign permit may be revoked by the City Manager or his/her designee in the event the applicant has failed to comply with the provisions of these regulations or any conditions that may have accompanied the permit at the time of granting.

      2.   The holder of a revoked sign permit may appeal such revocation action to the Board of Adjustment. A request for an appeals hearing shall be made in writing to the City Manager or his/her designee within thirty (30) days of the date of the original permit revocation.

      3.   Upon any permit revocation or failure to prevail before the Board of Adjustment, the sign(s) subject to such revoked permits shall be removed by the licensee within thirty (30) days of such revocation.

      4.   Revocation shall not give cause to a right of total or partial reimbursement of license fees paid.

   E.   Standards For Board Of Adjustment In Reviewing Appeals: The Board of Adjustment may authorize upon appeal, in specific cases, issuance of a sign permit when such decision will not be contrary to the public interest, where owing to special conditions a literal enforcement of the provisions of this chapter will result in unnecessary hardship and so that the spirit of this chapter shall be observed and substantial justice done. No Board of Adjustment decision shall have the effect of allowing in any district uses prohibited in that district or permit standards significantly lower than those required by this chapter.

   F.   Permit Validity: Any sign permit issued by the City Manager or his/her designee shall be null and void and automatically revoked in the event that construction, installation, or manufacture of the sign has not been commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the issuance of such permit. If work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of ninety (90) days any time after the work is commenced, the original permit shall become null and void. A new permit shall first be obtained to complete the work, and a new permit fee shall be required.

   G.   Exceptions For Temporary Signs: Additional temporary signs may be allowed with approval from the City Manager. Those requesting additional temporary signs must make application to the City Manager prior to using temporary signs. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

The following signs may be erected and maintained in all zoning districts, except where noted, without a permit and without being deducted from gross sign surface area permitted:

Banners. One temporary banner per building is allowed in all zoning districts. The banner must be removed after a period of thirty (30) days. Use of temporary banners which do not require a permit shall not exceed a total of sixty (60) days in a calendar year.

Bulletin boards. One bulletin board per street frontage, and not over thirty two (32) square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions located on site.

Civic event temporary signs. Temporary signs not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in Residential Districts, or thirty two (32) square feet in the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, M-1 and M-2 Districts, pertaining to drives or events of civic, philanthropic, educational, religious, or nonprofit organizations, provided such signs are posted not more than thirty (30) days before said event and removed within three (3) days after the event.

Government signs. Government signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public utilities indicating danger, and aids to service or safety which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his/her public duty. Included within this definition are off premises institutional signs.

Governmental notices. Official governmental notices and notices posted by governmental officers in the performance of their duties; governmental signs to control traffic or for other regulatory purposes or to identify streets or to warn of danger.

Interior signs. Signs located within the interior of any building or structure which are not visible from the public right-of-way.

Memorial signs. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface, or inlaid so as to be part of the building.

Occupant signs. Signs limited in content to name of occupant, address of premises, and signs of danger. Occupant signs shall be a maximum of one per street frontage and no more than three (3) square feet in sign area.

On premises symbols or insignia. Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historic agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies.

Open/close signs. Illuminated and nonilluminated signs not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area announcing that a business is open or closed.

Political signs. Political message, public election or referenda signs during an election campaign. Political signs shall not be placed on public property or in public right of way.

Real estate and property management signs. One sign per street frontage may be placed on the offered property and shall not be more than seven (7) square feet in size for residential property and not more than thirty two (32) square feet in area for nonresidential property. Lots which exceed twenty thousand (20,000) square feet may have two (2) signs per street frontage. The sign may only advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which it is located and contain the name and/or logo of the real estate company, or individuals and their respective addresses and telephone numbers, posting the sign. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days after sale, rental or lease of the property.

Rummage/garage sale signs. Rummage or garage sale signs shall be bound by the following regulations:

   A.   Rummage or garage sale signs are permitted on private property in a location which does not create a visibility or traffic hazard (as determined by the city manager or his/her designee).

   B.   Garage sale signs may not have an area more than six (6) square feet with a maximum of two (2) faces. Garage sale signs shall identify the location of the sale and must be located on private property.

   C.   No garage sale sign may be located on utility poles, traffic control devices, on public property, or the public rights of way.

   D.   No garage sale sign shall be displayed prior to one day before the sale or after one day following the sale. The use of said sign is limited to seventy two (72) hours per sale and it shall be the duty of the property owner who displayed the sign to remove such.

   E.   Persons who display and/or post garage sale signs shall be required to remove said garage sale signs no later than twenty four (24) hours after the garage sale.

Signs in display windows. Signs in the display window of a business which relate to services or products offered therein. The window sign must direct attention to a business or profession conducted on the premises or to a product, service or entertainment sold or offered on said premises. Window signs shall be placed only on the inside of buildings and shall not exceed thirty five percent (35%) of the glass area of the pane upon which the sign is displayed.

Signs required by law. Signs required by law, statute or ordinance, constructed and maintained according to the law, statute or ordinance under which the sign was erected.

Temporary construction safety signs. Temporary signs erected by public utility companies or construction companies to warn of dangerous or hazardous conditions.

Temporary flags. Flags which are temporary and used for a single special event or occasion which can easily be removed. Temporary flags may not be displayed longer than ten (10) days.

Temporary signs accessory to subdivision developments or other permitted improvements. Subject to the following:

   A.   Content: The signs shall be only for the purpose of identification of homes for sale or rent in the subdivision under construction, of lots for sale, or for the identification of other nonresidential uses under construction.

   B.   Area, Number And Setback: Such signs shall not exceed two (2) in number for each subdivision or project nor fifty (50) square feet each in area. They shall observe the front yard requirement of the principal use.

   C.   Height: No sign shall project higher than eight feet (8') above curb level.

   D.   Time Limitations: The sign or signs shall be removed by the property owner when the projects being advertised are sold, completed or no longer under construction.

Traffic and service signs on private premises. Traffic and parking signs and devices privately owned and on private premises, and containing messages such as "Exit Only", "Restricted For - ", and the like, the sole purpose of which is to direct and control traffic on the premises and which does not exceed ten feet (10') in height nor contain more than twelve (12) square feet per face. Signs designating entrances, exits, service areas, parking areas, restrooms and other such signs relating to functional operation of the building or premises shall be permitted without permit under this exception. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012; amd. Ord. 19-08, 7-1-2019)

In addition to those permitted signs not requiring a permit pursuant to section 9-17-5 of this chapter, the following nonflashing, nonilluminated signs (except as otherwise provided) are permitted under the conditions specified in the following districts: A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 established by the City of Knoxville's Zoning Code: (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012; amd. Ord. 19-08, 7-1-2019)

   A.   Bed And Breakfast Signs: Subject to the following:

      1.   Content: The sign shall bear only the name, address and other pertinent information regarding the bed and breakfast establishment.

      2.   Area And Number: There shall not be more than one sign per lot street frontage. No sign shall exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area.

      3.   Projection: No sign shall project beyond the property line into the public right-of-way.

      4.   Height: No sign shall project higher than six feet (6') above the street level.

   B.   Directory Signs: Subject to the following:

      1.   Content: The sign shall bear only the name, address and other pertinent information regarding the establishments located on the property.

      2.   Area And Number: There shall not be more than one sign per lot street frontage. No sign shall exceed twenty four (24) square feet in area.

      3.   Projection: No sign shall project beyond the property line into the public right-of-way.

   C.   Flagpoles: Subject to the following:

      1.   Area And Number: All permanent flagpoles require a sign permit. No flag shall exceed twenty four (24) square feet in area. The flagpole shall be located equidistant from the property line no less than the height of the flagpole.

   D.   Freestanding Or Ground Signs: Subject to the following:

      1.   Ground signs shall comply with all setback requirements of the zoning district in which they are located. Ground signs shall not exceed twenty four (24) square feet. One ground sign is permitted per site.

   E.   Permanent Subdivision Identification Signs: Subject to the following:

      1.   Content: The signs shall bear only the name of the subdivision or development.

      2.   Area And Number: There shall be not more than two (2) signs located at each entrance to a subdivision. No sign shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area. Such identification signs shall only be erected after review and approval by the City Manager or his/her designee.

      3.   Height: No sign shall project higher than twelve feet (12') above curb level.

      4.   Location: The location of any such sign shall be at the discretion of the City Manager or his/her designee based upon the character of the area, the type and purpose of the sign.

   F.   Nonflashing, Illuminated Church Bulletins: Subject to the following:

      1.   Area And Number: There shall be not more than one sign per lot, except that on a corner lot, two (2) signs (one facing each street) shall be permitted. No sign shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area nor be closer than five feet (5') from any lot line.

      2.   Projection: No sign shall project beyond the property line into the public right-of-way.

      3.   Height: No sign shall project higher than one story or fifteen feet (15') above the curb level, whichever is lower.

   G.   Home Occupation/Professional Home Office: Subject to the following:

      1.   Content: The sign shall bear only the name, address, hours and other pertinent information regarding the on site home occupation or professional home office maintained in compliance with the city's zoning code.

      2.   Area And Number: There shall not be more than one sign per lot. No sign shall exceed six (6) square feet in area.

      3.   Projection: No sign shall project beyond the property line into the public right of way.

      4.   Height: No sign shall project higher than six feet (6') above the street level. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

The following signs shall require a permit to be issued by the city of Knoxville. Signs may be permitted in specific zoning categories, subject to the following restrictions:

   A.   Height And Setback Requirements: In commercial or industrial zoning districts where setbacks are required for building construction, no part of any sign shall extend over the property line, public right of way or public easement.

   B.   Number Of Signs Permitted:

      1.   Total Number: No more than one sign per side of any sign type shall be located at any business, except that premises occupied by a shopping center may, as an alternative, have one detached directory sign plus one wall sign for each place of business located in said shopping center.

      2.   Corner Lots: Businesses with streets fronting both sides shall be allowed one type of sign for each street frontage.

   C.   Types Of Signs:

      1.   Access Identification: Access identification.

      2.   Billboard Sign: Billboards shall be allowed in only the C-2, M-1 and M-2 zoning districts, provided they meet the following requirements: They must meet all setback requirements for the zoning district; may not exceed twenty feet (20') in height, nor shall they exceed one hundred forty four (144) square feet in total display. The area may be on one side or divided into two (2) areas so as not to exceed one hundred forty four (144) square feet; not more than one billboard shall be located on a single lot; no billboard shall be closer than five hundred feet (500') from another billboard when measured parallel to the street; and the billboards shall be the only use on a lot.

      3.   Building Directory: Building directory.

      4.   Wall Signs: Wall signs are permitted when placed against the exterior walls of buildings and shall not extend more than twenty four inches (24") outside of a building's wall surface, nor extend above the roofline. Total sign area (including multiple business/tenant signs on a single property) shall not exceed two (2) square feet for each linear foot of the building parallel with the main street frontage. Rear or side entrance signs are subject to the same size restrictions as that found at the principal (front/main) entrance to the building. Signs on other building facades (i.e., nonentrance side facades) are limited to one-half (1/2) square foot per linear foot of such facade. All signs attached or affixed to a building shall not exceed twenty feet (20') in height above the mean centerline street grade.

      5.   Freestanding/Ground Signs: Freestanding/ground signs and their supporting structure shall comply with all setback requirements for signs as set forth in this chapter. Ground signs shall not exceed in gross area for any one premises: fifty (50) square feet on each side in a C-1, C-2, C-3 or C-4 district; or one hundred sixty (160) square feet on each side in an M-1 or M-2 industrial district. Such signs shall not exceed at their highest point twenty feet (20') in height above mean centerline street grade. One ground sign is permitted on a street frontage provided there is no pylon sign on that side.

      6.   Pylon Signs: Pylon signs shall not exceed twenty feet (20') in height in C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 districts, nor exceed thirty feet (30') in height in an M-1 or M-2 industrial district. Height is measured above the mean centerline of street grade. The sign shall be completely within the property upon which it is located. One pylon sign per street frontage is permitted. Size is limited to one hundred (100) square feet for one side, or two hundred (200) square feet for all sides. Any pylon sign shall have a minimum landscaped area of sixteen (16) square feet around the base of the pole.

      7.   Shopping Center/Industrial Park Directory Signs: In a shopping center or industrial park, one freestanding identification/directory sign for each street upon which the development fronts may be permitted showing the name of said center or park and represented business or industries. Directory signs for shopping centers or industrial parks are permitted as an alternative to ground signs or projecting signs for individual stores in the shopping center or business in the industrial park. The top of a directory sign shall not exceed thirty two feet (32') in height above the mean centerline street grade and the bottom of the sign shall not be less than ten feet (10') above the sidewalk and not more than sixteen feet (16') above a driveway or alley. Double supporting pylons shall not be greater than ten feet (10') apart. That portion of the directory sign which advertises the shopping center or industrial park name shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet for one side and a total of two hundred (200) square feet for all sides. That portion of the directory sign which advertises the individual store/business name shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet for one side and a total of thirty two (32) square feet for all sides. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

The following special sign requirements shall apply as outlined below:

   A.   Animated, Illuminated And Other Signs: Such signs shall be allowed to be animated or illuminated in such a way that promotes the business or commercial goods which exist on the property. Such signs must meet sign requirements for the district within which they are located.

   B.   Portable Signs/Message Boards: Such signs shall be limited in use to seven (7) days at a time following approval by the city manager or his/her designee, provided, however, that approval for placement of a portable sign/message board which presents a vision obstruction shall not be granted; such signs shall not be used more than fourteen (14) consecutive days. The maximum size of a portable sign/message board shall be twenty four (24) square feet on each face, back to back. Portable signs/message boards shall not be located in any public right of way and shall be securely fastened to prevent any hazardous condition.

   C.   Sandwich Signs: In instances where the property owner or business tenant in a C-1, C-2, C-3 or C-4 district wishes to erect a sandwich board, there is a limit of one sandwich board per business tenant and a sign permit is not required. Such signs shall not exceed four feet (4') in height and eight (8) square feet per side display area. Sandwich signs may not be placed so as to present a hazard as determined by the city manager or his/her designee.

   D.   Swinging Signs: A sign where the copy area is attached to a sign structure in a way that can be set in motion with pressure, and where the sign structure is attached in a perpendicular fashion to a building at a height no less than eight feet (8') above ground height, and no greater than eight (8) square feet in copy area. A swinging sign may be considered in lieu of permitted wall signage.

   E.   Over The Street Banners: Over the street banners may be permitted in any district with approval from the planning and zoning commission.

   F.   Neon Signs: Exterior neon or gas illumination signs require a sign permit. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

   A.   Permitted Awnings: No awnings shall be erected or maintained, except such awnings as comply with the following requirements, and then only if the permit required hereunder is first obtained and the same conform to the regulations of the zoning district in which the same are to be located:

      1.   Support: Awnings shall be securely attached to and supported by the building and shall be without posts or columns beyond the setback line.

      2.   Height: All awnings shall be constructed and erected so that the lowest portion thereof shall be not less than eight feet (8') above the level of the public sidewalk or public thoroughfare.

      3.   Advertising: No advertising shall be placed on any awning, except that the name and logo of the establishment within the building to which the awning is attached may be painted or otherwise permanently placed in a space not exceeding eight inches (8") in height on the front and side edges.

   B.   Permitted Canopies: No canopies shall be erected or maintained, except such canopies as comply with the following requirements, and then only if the permit required hereunder is first obtained and the same conform to the regulations of the zoning district in which the same are to be located:

      1.   Support: The structural support of all canopies shall be properly designed and be approved by the city manager or his/her designee as in compliance with the building code of the city of Knoxville. All frames and supports shall be designed to withstand a wind pressure as provided in the city's building code. All canopies shall be attached to a building, and no supports shall exist beyond the setback line between the canopy and the sidewalk or ground below.

      2.   Height: All canopies shall be constructed and erected so that the lowest portion thereof shall not be less than eight feet (8') above the level of the sidewalk or public thoroughfare.

      3.   Canopy Extension From Curb Line: No entrance canopy shall extend beyond a point eight feet (8') from the face of a wall or building.

      4.   Advertising: No advertising shall be placed on any canopy, except that the name and logo of the establishment may be painted or placed in a space not exceeding twenty four inches (24") in average height on the front and side edges. Such name may be so painted or placed irrespective of any prohibition otherwise applicable hereunder, providing, however, that if such canopy shall contain more or other than the name of the establishment in letters more than eight inches (8") high on the front and side edges, it shall be considered as a sign and be subject to all the provisions hereof. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

   A.   Traffic Interference: Signs shall not resemble, imitate or approximate the shape, size, form or color of railroad or traffic signs or devices. Signs, canopies and awnings shall not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices or the safe flow of traffic. No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign, awning or canopy shall be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.

   B.   Moving Or Flashing Signs: No sign shall be erected which has any flashing, rotating or brilliant intermittent parts or lights, bare reflecting type bulbs, or utilizes a spot or beacon light to illuminate a sign, except those giving public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather or similar information. No signs, billboards or other advertising media which creates a hazard or dangerous distraction to vehicular traffic or a nuisance to adjoining residential property shall be permitted in any district.

   C.   Signs On Public Rights Of Way: Signs shall not be permitted on public rights of way, except for municipal traffic control, parking and directional signs and as otherwise specified in this chapter. Signs may not extend over public rights of way, with the exception of over the street banners which require approval from the planning and zoning commission.

   D.   Billboards: Billboards are only allowed within the C-2, M-1 and M-2 zoning districts as outlined in this chapter. Billboards located upon property annexed to the city and existing as of the effective date of this chapter are permitted to remain unless the owner structurally alters such billboard in any manner. If damaged, or if structural alteration is made/required, such billboard shall be permanently removed.

   E.   Painted Wall And Other Prohibited Signs: Painted wall signs are painted directly onto the surface of the building; painted wall signs without approval from the planning and zoning commission are prohibited in the city of Knoxville. No person shall paste or otherwise fasten any paper or other material, paint, stencil or write any number, sign, name or any disfiguring mark within any street right of way, on any sidewalk, curb, gutter, street, post, fire hydrant, pole or tree, any other sign, building, fence or other structure, nor shall any of said objects be defaced in any manner.

   F.   Obscene, Explicit Or Offensive Sign Subjects: Signs which bear or contain statements, words, pictures, or symbols of obscene, pornographic or immoral subjects are prohibited. The city manager or his/her designee who approves sign permits shall determine whether or not a sign is immoral. Should a permit application be denied, the permit applicant may appeal the decision to the board of adjustment.

   G.   Roof Signs: Roof signs are prohibited in the city of Knoxville.

   H.   Advertising Vehicle Sign Configuration: No persons shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right of way or on private properties so as to be seen from a public right of way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purposes of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises. Business vehicles containing typical business signage and which are actively used on a daily basis for business purposes are exempt from this prohibition.

   I.   Floodlighted And Illuminated Signs: Signs may be floodlighted or illuminated, subject to the following restrictions:

      1.   Signs which are not effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways of a public right of way and which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or which otherwise interfere with any driver's operations of a motor vehicle, are prohibited.

      2.   Signs which are not effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any residential property, and which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause a public nuisance, are prohibited.

      3.   No sign shall be so floodlighted or illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures an official traffic sign, device, or signal. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

   A.   Nonconforming Sign Criteria: Signs existing as of the effective date of this chapter which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter are nonconforming signs and shall be subject to the provisions of this section:

      1.   Nonconforming Signs May Be Maintained: No nonconforming on premises sign shall be altered or moved to a new location without being brought into compliance with the requirements of this chapter. (Refer to subsection B of this section.) Compliance is the responsibility of the property owner.

      2.   New Signs Not Permitted: Business signs on the premises of a nonconforming use or building may be continued per this chapter, but new signs for such uses shall not be allowed, nor shall expand in number, area, height, or illumination. New signs, not to exceed the maximum allowable aggregate sign area, may be erected only upon the complete removal of all other signs existing at the time of adoption of this chapter.

      3.   Removal Upon Business Termination: Nonconforming signs shall be removed when the principal structure located on the premises undergoes a change of use. Closing businesses must remove their signs within thirty (30) days of closing.

      4.   Change In Sign User: Whenever there is a change in the sign user (excluding off premises signs) or owner of the property on which the sign is located, the new sign user or new property owner shall forthwith notify the city of Knoxville regarding the change. No new sign permit is required unless there is modification of the sign face or sign structure.

   B.   Alteration Of Signs:

      1.   Alteration Defined: For the purpose of this chapter, alteration of a sign is considered to be any change to the exterior appearance of any part of the sign, its frame, its supporting structure, or its lighting including: changing the message (except for marquee or off premises advertising signs), symbols, color, material, height or location.

      2.   Maintenance Exception: Altering a sign does not include maintaining the existing appearance of the sign; replacing the sign face or the supporting structure with identical materials, colors, and messages; changing the message of a marquee sign; or changing the face of an off premises advertising sign.

   C.   Loss Of Legal Nonconforming Status: In addition to the standards in subsections A and B of this section, a sign may also lose its nonconforming status if one or more of the following occurs:

      1.   If said sign is damaged by fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, vandalism, war, riot or act of God; or structurally altered in any way, except for normal maintenance and repair; the sign may be reconstructed and used as before if it is reconstructed within three (3) months after such calamity, unless the damage to the sign is fifty percent (50%) or more of its replacement value, in which case, the constructed sign shall comply with the provisions of this chapter;

      2.   The sign is relocated;

      3.   The sign fails to conform to the city requirements regarding maintenance and repair, abandonment or dangerous or defective signs;

      4.   On the date of occurrence of any of the above, the sign shall be immediately brought in compliance with this chapter with a new permit secured therefor or shall be removed.

   D.   Legal Nonconforming Sign Maintenance And Repair: Nothing in this chapter shall relieve the owner or use of a legal nonconforming sign or the owner of the property in which the sign is located from the provisions of this chapter regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs. However, legal nonconforming signs shall not be reinstalled, reconstructed or have their useful life extended. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

   A.   Removal Of Dangerous Signs: All signs shall be removed by the owner or tenant of the premises upon which the sign is located if in the judgment of the city manager or his/her designee, such sign is so old, dilapidated or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous or unsafe, whichever occurs first. If the owner or tenant fails to remove it, the city manager or his/her designee may remove the sign at cost of the owner, following adequate written notice. The owner may appeal the decision of the planning and zoning commission.

   B.   Abandoned Signs: Except as otherwise herein provided, all sign messages shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which an off premises sign is located when the business it advertised is no longer conducted where advertised. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the city manager or his/her designee shall give the owner sixty (60) days' written notice to remove said sign and thereafter upon the owner's or lessee's failure to comply may remove such sign, any costs for which shall be charged to the owner of the property or may be assessed as a special assessment against the property, and/or the city manager or his/her designee may take any other appropriate legal action necessary to attain compliance.

   C.   Dangerous Or Abandoned Sign Infrastructure: Except as otherwise herein provided, all sign infrastructure including posts, columns, supports or otherwise, shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which an on premises sign is located when the business advertised is no longer conducted and the abandoned infrastructure could be potentially dangerous to public health. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the city manager or his/her designee shall give the owner sixty (60) days' written notice to remove said sign and thereafter upon the owner's or lessee's failure to comply may remove such sign, any costs for which shall be charged to the owner of the property or may be assessed as a special assessment against the property, and/or the city manager or his/her designee may take any other appropriate legal action necessary to attain compliance.

   D.   Violations: All signs constructed or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter after the date of adoption are hereby declared public nuisances within the meaning of the city of Knoxville zoning title. In addition to the penalty provisions for violations of this chapter, the city manager or his/her designee may bring an action to abate the nuisance in the manner set forth in city ordinance. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

All construction and maintenance signs shall be properly secured, supported and braced and shall be kept in reasonable structural condition and shall be kept clean and well painted at all times. Bolts or screws shall not be fastened to window frames. Every sign and its framework, braces, anchors and other supports shall be constructed of such material and with such workmanship as to be safe and satisfactory to the city manager or his/her designee.

   A.   General Requirements:

      1.   Construction Standards: All signs, except flat signs and those signs weighing less than ten (10) pounds, shall be designed, fastened and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of area and shall be constructed, attached, fastened or anchored to adequately support the dead load and any anticipated live loads (i.e., ice, snow) of the sign.

      2.   Projection: Signs including supports shall not interfere with surrounding properties or traffic.

      3.   Prohibited Mounting: No signs shall be painted on, attached to or affixed to any trees, rocks, or other similar organic or inorganic natural matter, including utility poles or apparatus.

      4.   Maintenance: All signs, including supports and attachments, shall be properly maintained and have an appearance that is neat and clean. All signs shall be kept in good structural condition, well painted, and clean at all times and the immediate premises shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition and kept free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.

      5.   Annexed Areas: All signs in newly annexed areas shall comply with this chapter within three (3) years of annexation. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

Variances or exceptions to these sign regulations may be granted by the board of adjustment following a recommendation from the city manager or his/her designee, pursuant to the procedures of the city of Knoxville's zoning ordinance. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

The following regard violations of this chapter:

   A.   Construction Without Permit: Any person, firm or corporation who begins, erects, improperly alters, or completes the erection or construction of any sign, awning or canopy controlled by this chapter prior to the granting of a sign permit shall pay a penalty double the amount of the permit otherwise required.

   B.   Compliance Notice:

      1.   If the city manager or his/her designee finds any sign, awning or canopy regulated herein unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public, or has been improperly erected, altered or maintained, it shall give written notice to the sign owner and to the property owner.

      2.   If such sign, awning or canopy owner fails to remove or alter the sign, awning or canopy so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within five (5) days after such notice, the city manager or his/her designee may cause such sign, awning or canopy to be removed or altered at the expense of the owner of the sign, awning or canopy or the owner of the property upon which it is located so as to comply with the provisions of this chapter.

   C.   Violations; Penalties: Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a penalty which shall be as follows:

      1.   Any person found guilty of violating any part of this chapter who has previously been notified of being in violation, upon conviction thereof, be subject to forfeiture as prescribed by subsection 9-17-4D of this chapter.

      2.   Each violation and each day a violation continues or occurs shall constitute a separate offense. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the city from also maintaining any appropriate action to prevent or remove a violation of any provision of this chapter. (Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)

   SIGN MATRIX: A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, AND R-4

 

 

 

(Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012; amd. Ord. 19-08, 7-1-2019)

   SIGN MATRIX: C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, M-1 AND M-2

 

 

 

(Ord. 12-12, 11-5-2012)