Most exterior business signs in Nashville require permits or approvals before they are installed, altered, or replaced. Depending on the project, the process can involve zoning review, a Commercial Permit Application, a site plan, sign drawings, property-line and easement information, and additional building or electrical requirements.
Metro Nashville’s current sign-permit instructions require applicants to submit a Commercial Permit Application, a site plan showing the proposed location and distances to property lines, existing structures and easements, and sign renderings showing dimensions.
This guide explains the Nashville sign permit application process, which business signs commonly require permits, what documents to prepare, what causes delays, and what to check before fabrication and installation.
Permit requirements can change and may vary by property, zoning district, overlay, sign type, business activity and project scope. Always confirm current requirements with Metro Nashville Codes before proceeding.
MetroCenter Signworks can help coordinate sign design, permitting, fabrication and professional installation for Nashville businesses.
Nashville Sign Permit Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Commercial Permit Application | Business, property and proposed sign project information |
| Site Plan | Proposed sign location, property lines, existing structures and easements |
| Sign Renderings | Sign appearance and dimensions |
| Zoning Review | Whether the proposed sign complies with requirements for the property |
| Additional Reviews | May apply depending on electrical work, structural work, overlays or other project conditions |
Do You Need a Permit for a Business Sign in Nashville?
Generally, a sign should not be constructed, installed or altered in Nashville without first obtaining the applicable zoning, building and other required permits unless the sign qualifies for an exemption.
Permit review commonly applies when a business is:
- Installing a new exterior sign
- Installing a wall or storefront sign
- Adding channel letters
- Installing a monument, ground or pylon sign
- Installing an illuminated sign
- Changing the structure, size or location of an existing sign
- Replacing certain existing signage
- Installing billboards or other regulated outdoor advertising
Metro Nashville does list certain situations where zoning and building permits may not be required, including qualifying exempt signs and activities such as painting, repainting or cleaning a sign structure or changing copy on a sign specifically designed for changeable copy.
Because exemptions depend on the exact project, confirm the current rule before assuming that a permit is unnecessary.
What Types of Sign Permits Are Listed on Nashville’s Commercial Application?
The current Metro Nashville Commercial Permit Application includes a dedicated Sign Permit section for projects such as:
- Wall signs
- Ground or pylon signs
- Panel change-outs
- Billboards
Other sign types can still involve permit review depending on the scope and applicable zoning rules.
How to Apply for a Sign Permit in Nashville
Step 1: Confirm the Sign and Property
Identify the proposed sign type and exact installation location before preparing drawings.
Important property information can include:
- Business address
- Parcel information
- Zoning classification
- Property lines
- Easements
- Existing structures
- Building frontage
- Any applicable overlays or special development conditions
Step 2: Complete the Commercial Permit Application
Use the current Metro Nashville Commercial Permit Application and identify the appropriate sign-permit project type.
The current application asks for information including the project/business name, project address and map and parcel number.
Step 3: Prepare a Site Plan
Metro Nashville’s sign-permit instructions call for a site plan showing the proposed project location with:
- Property lines
- Distances to property lines
- Existing structures
- Easements
Missing or unclear site information can create additional questions during review.
Step 4: Prepare Sign Renderings
Include clear renderings showing the proposed sign and its dimensions.
Depending on the project, useful information may include:
- Overall sign width and height
- Letter dimensions
- Sign area
- Mounting location
- Height above grade
- Building elevation
- Illumination method
Step 5: Submit the Sign Permit Package
Metro Nashville currently directs sign-permit applicants to submit the required information to the Zoning Help Desk.
The city’s sign-permit page instructs applicants to use the following email subject format:
Sign Permit / Business Name / Address
Always verify the current submission instructions on the official Metro Nashville Sign Permit Process page before submitting.
Step 6: Complete Required Reviews
After the application is processed, the project may require additional reviews or approvals before the permit can be issued.
If reviewers request corrections or additional information, respond with revised documents as quickly as possible.
Step 7: Fabricate and Install the Approved Sign
Once required approvals are in place, fabrication and installation can proceed according to the approved project.
MetroCenter Signworks provides commercial sign manufacturing and professional sign installation in Nashville.
What Documents Are Needed for a Nashville Sign Permit?
For the standard sign-permit process, Metro Nashville currently identifies three core submission items:
- Commercial Permit Application
- Site plan showing the proposed project location, distances to property lines, existing structures and labeled easements
- Renderings showing dimensions
Depending on the project, reviewers may need additional information before approval.
For illuminated, structural or more complex sign projects, plan ahead for possible coordination involving electrical, structural or other permit requirements.
Does a Change in Business Use Affect the Sign Permit?
Yes, it can.
Metro Nashville states that a Use and Occupancy Permit is required before issuance of a sign permit when there is a change in activity type.
For example, changing a space from one type of business use to a substantially different use may require the use-and-occupancy process to be addressed before the sign permit can be issued.
This is important for businesses moving into an existing tenant space because the previous tenant’s sign history does not automatically mean a new sign can be installed without review.
Common Reasons Sign Permit Applications Get Delayed
Sign permit delays often happen because the initial package does not give reviewers enough information to confirm the proposed sign and location.
Common problems include:
- Incomplete application information
- Missing parcel or project information
- Site plan missing property lines
- Unlabeled easements
- Distances not shown clearly
- Sign dimensions missing from renderings
- Unclear sign placement
- Project conflicts with zoning requirements
- Additional reviews not completed
- Changes made after the application was submitted
How Zoning Affects Business Signs in Nashville
Zoning is an important part of the sign-permit process because allowable signage can depend on the specific property and zoning conditions.
Items that may be affected include:
- Sign type
- Sign area
- Height
- Placement
- Setbacks
- Illumination
- Freestanding sign location
- Overlay requirements
Before finalizing a design, verify that the proposed dimensions and location are realistic for the property.
Storefront and Wall Sign Permits
Wall and storefront signs are among the most common projects Nashville businesses need permitted.
For a wall-mounted project, accurate building dimensions and a clear elevation showing where the sign will be installed can make the proposal easier to understand during design and review.
If you are still selecting the sign itself, see our guide to storefront sign costs in Nashville.
Channel Letter Sign Permits
Channel letter signs are commonly mounted to commercial façades and often include electrical illumination.
Before fabrication, confirm:
- Permitted dimensions
- Mounting location
- Electrical requirements
- Building or landlord sign criteria
- Required permits
Designing the letters before checking the installation location can lead to redesign work later.
Ground, Monument and Pylon Sign Permits
Ground-mounted signs require careful site planning because their location must be considered in relation to the property itself.
The current Metro Nashville Commercial Permit Application specifically lists Ground/Pylon as a sign-permit category.
For these projects, the site plan becomes particularly important because reviewers need to understand where the sign will sit in relation to property lines, structures and easements.
See our custom monument signs in Nashville.
What About Illuminated and LED Signs?
An illuminated sign may involve both signage requirements and electrical work.
Make sure lighting and electrical requirements are considered during the design stage rather than after the sign has already been manufactured.
Depending on the project, electrical permits or inspections may also be required.
Can You Use Nashville ePermits for a Sign Permit?
Metro Nashville operates an ePermits system for permit-related activity, but applicants should follow the specific submission instructions given for the sign-permit process.
The current sign-permit page directs applicants to submit the initial Commercial Permit Application, site plan and renderings through the Zoning Help Desk.
After a permit application number is created, online tools may be used for applicable tracking or permit activity.
How Long Does a Nashville Sign Permit Take?
Metro Nashville does not provide one guaranteed approval time for every sign project.
Timing can depend on:
- Application completeness
- Zoning conditions
- Sign type
- Additional agency reviews
- Corrections or revised drawings
- Project complexity
For planning purposes, submit the permit package before scheduling final fabrication or installation dates that depend on approval.
Can You Install a Sign Before the Permit Is Approved?
If a permit is required, do not install or alter the sign before obtaining the applicable approval.
Metro Nashville’s sign rules state that regulated signs should not be constructed, installed or altered without the applicable permits unless an exemption applies.
Waiting for approval can help avoid removal, redesign, inspection and enforcement problems.
Nashville Sign Permit Help
MetroCenter Signworks can help businesses coordinate the sign project from initial design through fabrication and installation.
Project support can include:
- Reviewing your desired sign type and location
- Preparing sign designs and dimensions
- Coordinating permit-related information
- Preparing production details
- Coordinating fabrication
- Planning professional installation
For larger or multi-step projects, see our sign project management services in Nashville.
Get Help With a Nashville Business Sign
Before ordering an exterior sign, confirm what the property allows, prepare the required permit information, and coordinate approval with fabrication and installation.
Planning a Sign Project in Nashville?
Send MetroCenter Signworks your business address, proposed sign type and project details so our team can help you plan the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Sign Permits
Do I need a permit for a business sign in Nashville?
Most regulated exterior business signs require applicable zoning, building or other permits before they are installed or altered unless a specific exemption applies. Confirm the requirements for your property and sign type before installation.
What documents are needed for a Nashville sign permit application?
Metro Nashville currently instructs applicants to submit a Commercial Permit Application, a site plan showing the proposed project location and distances to property lines, existing structures and easements, and sign renderings showing dimensions.
How do I submit a sign permit application in Nashville?
Metro Nashville’s current sign-permit instructions direct applicants to submit the required application, site plan and renderings to the Zoning Help Desk and use the subject format “Sign Permit / Business Name / Address.”
How long does it take to get a sign permit in Nashville?
There is not one guaranteed timeline for every project. Timing varies based on the sign type, zoning conditions, completeness of the application, required reviews and whether corrections or revisions are requested.
Can I install my sign before the permit is approved?
If the project requires a permit, the sign should not be constructed, installed or altered before the applicable approvals are obtained.
Does a change in business use affect the sign permit?
Yes. Metro Nashville states that a Use and Occupancy Permit is required before a sign permit can be issued when there is a change in activity type.
Can MetroCenter Signworks help with Nashville sign permitting?
Yes. MetroCenter Signworks can help coordinate sign design, permit-related project information, fabrication and professional installation for Nashville businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Most regulated exterior business signs require permit review before installation.
- The standard Nashville sign-permit submission includes a Commercial Permit Application, site plan and sign renderings with dimensions.
- Site plans should clearly show property lines, existing structures, easements and relevant distances.
- The current Commercial Permit Application includes wall sign, ground/pylon, panel change-out and billboard sign-permit categories.
- A change in business activity type may require a Use and Occupancy Permit before the sign permit can be issued.
- Permit timing varies, so do not schedule installation around an assumed approval date.
- Confirm the latest process with Metro Nashville Codes before submitting or installing signage.