Overview
In Nashville, business sign permits are issued by the Metro Codes Administration. Most applications are submitted through the city's online permitting portal, which allows document uploads and status tracking. Illuminated signs require both a sign permit and a separate electrical permit issued by the electrical inspection division.
Sign rules in Nashville are tied to your zoning district. Before designing your sign, look up your property's zone using the city's online zoning map and confirm what sign types and sizes are allowed in that zone.
What Requires a Sign Permit in Nashville
- All permanent wall-mounted signs (illuminated and non-illuminated)
- All freestanding signs (monument, pole, pylon)
- All illuminated signs of any type or size
- Window signs exceeding the local coverage threshold (typically 25–30%)
- Temporary banners displayed longer than 14–30 days
- Digital and electronic message center signs
Application Checklist
- ✓Completed permit application (via Codes Online portal)
- ✓Site plan showing property and sign location
- ✓Sign drawings with exact dimensions and materials
- ✓Photograph of existing building face
- ✓Property owner / landlord authorization letter
- ✓Electrical drawings + licensed electrician info (illuminated signs)
- ✓Permit fee payment
Typical Nashville Sign Permit Fees
| Sign Type | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wall sign (non-illuminated) | 5–60 | Base + per sq ft |
| Wall sign (illuminated) | 5–20 | Electrical permit separate |
| Monument / ground sign | 0–80 | Engineering may be required |
| Pole / pylon sign | 20–50 | Engineering typically required |
| Temporary banner | 5–0 | Per permit period |
| Electrical permit (illuminated) | 0–00 | Separate from sign permit |
Fees are estimates. Verify current fee schedule at nashville.gov/codes.
Review Timeline
- Simple non-illuminated wall sign: 5–15 business days
- Illuminated sign: 2–4 weeks
- Freestanding sign: 3–6 weeks
- Signs in historic or overlay districts: 4–8 weeks
Contact Information
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Metro Codes Administration |
| Portal | Codes Online portal |
| Website | nashville.gov/codes |
Applying for a Nashville sign permit?
Download our sign permit application checklist to prepare your submission package.
Download Checklist → All Tennessee Cities →Disclaimer: This guide reflects Nashville permit procedures as of 2024–2025. Always verify current requirements at nashville.gov/codes.