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Signs

Sign Ordinance

To access the Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 3: Advertising, click here.

Sign Applications

Board of Sign Appeals (BOSA)

If your sign does not comply with the rules of Chapter 3 in the Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance, you may request a variance and have your case heard by the Board of Sign Appeals (BOSA).    Complete submissions (Application, site plan, rendering, and payment) are to be made to submit through the Online Portal.  The cost to apply for a sign variance is $150.00. 

Form-Based Zoning Signs

If your project is located in the Form-Based Zoning area of downtown Chattanooga, please be sure to read the sign portion of the Form-Based Code zoning. You can access this zoning code here.  If you are not sure if your proposed sign is located in the FBC area, please follow these directions to determine your zoning.

 If your sign does not comply with the rules of the Form-Based Code, you may request a variance from the Form-Based Code Committee.  You may find the Major Modification Application, meeting dates, and deadlines here.

What do I do if my sign or awning projects are in the Right of Way (ROW)?

If your sign projects into the Right of Way you will need a Temporary Use Permit that is administered by the Chattanooga Division of Transportation.  Directions for obtaining a temporary use permit can be found on this website: https://chattanooga.gov/public-works/transportation/transportation-resources/temporary-use-of-the-right-of-way.

Who Performs Sign Installation Inspections?

If your sign needs an electrical inspection you will need to request an inspection through the Online Portal. The permit number is required when scheduling an inspection.

Depending on the sign type, the footer for a sign may be inspected by a zoning inspector or building inspector. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Information for the Zoning Office

Land Development Office
1250 Market Street, Suite 1000
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

Phone: (423) 643-5800
Main Fax: (423) 643-5848

Sign Staff

Administrative Assistance

Sign Reviewers and Inspectors

Office hours of operation are Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays), from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. including the lunch hour. Inspection hours of operation are Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays), from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Permit payments are not accepted for processing after 3:30 p.m. We accept checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, Discover, American Express, and MasterCard Only). We do not accept cash.

Staff return calls as quickly as possible. For faster responses, please be sure to email the staff.

Photo by Phillip Stevens and Matt Lea