Skip to content
Article 15 Signs - Knox County UDO Community Review Survey
As part of the Knox County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update, we are seeking feedback on development design standards pertaining to parking, signage, landscaping, open space, and resource protection. Your input will help us refine these regulations to better serve Knox County's needs. Please review the key concepts below and share your thoughts. Each article has its own survey component, allowing you to focus on content that is of most interest to you – take one survey or all as time and interest allows. The survey portal will be open for two weeks, beginning July 29th.
You can view the full
Article 15 Signs here!
1.
Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)
The draft regulations update standards for Electronic Message Centers (digital/LED signs), requiring that displays hold constant for at least 60 seconds, prohibiting flashing or animated text, and mandating automatic dimming based on ambient light conditions.
What feedback do you have on this proposed approach? Please tell us what you support, what concerns you have, and any changes you would recommend.
2.
Illumination and Brightness Limits
The article establishes brightness limits for all illuminated signs and requires external lighting to be shielded downward to prevent light spillover onto adjacent properties. Signs may only be illuminated from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m., or one half-hour past the close of business, whichever is later.
What feedback do you have on this proposed approach? Please tell us what you support, what concerns you have, and any changes you would recommend.
3.
Master Sign Plans for Large Developments
For multi-tenant developments (such as shopping centers or office parks) over 25,000 square feet, the draft requires a "Master Sign Plan" to ensure all signs within the development are coordinated, proportional, and aesthetically consistent.
What feedback do you have on this proposed approach? Please tell us what you support, what concerns you have, and any changes you would recommend.
4.
Monument Signs vs. Pole Signs
The draft provides distinct design standards for monument signs (a freestanding sign where the base of the sign structure is on the ground) and pole signs (elevated on poles). It also allows the maximum sign height and area to increase for both types when located along higher-speed or higher-volume roadways.
What feedback do you have on this proposed approach? Please tell us what you support, what concerns you have, and any changes you would recommend.
5.
Prohibited Sign Types
The updated regulations explicitly prohibit certain signs, including signs that rotate, feature wind-blown devices such as pennants and streamers (except during permitted special events), and signs mounted on trailers or vehicles parked primarily for advertising purposes.
What feedback do you have on this proposed approach? Please tell us what you support, what concerns you have, and any changes you would recommend.
(Note: Reed v. Town of Gilbert Supreme Court ruling prohibits communities from regulating the content of signs, and only allows regulation of the size, height, etc.)
6.
Temporary Signs
The draft sets clear time limits for temporary signs: political signs must be removed within five days after the final voting period, and community event signs must be removed within three days after the event. All temporary signs must be securely affixed so they appear static from a vehicle's point of view and must be removed within 90 days of installation.
What feedback do you have on this proposed approach? Please tell us what you support, what concerns you have, and any changes you would recommend.
7.
Sign Requirements by Zoning District
The draft organizes sign permissions by zoning district, specifying which sign types are allowed in each district and setting maximum numbers and total sign face area per street frontage. For instance, residential districts have more restrictive allowances than commercial or industrial districts, and the Historic Overlay district applies special standards to new signs.
What feedback do you have on this proposed approach? Please tell us what you support, what concerns you have, and any changes you would recommend.
8.
Exempt Signs and Residential Signage
The article exempts certain minor signs from requiring permits, including small property identification signs, mailbox signs, private parking and no-trespassing signs in residential areas (limited by lot size), and temporary window merchandise displays not permanently affixed to the glass.
What feedback do you have on this proposed approach? Please tell us what you support, what concerns you have, and any changes you would recommend.
9.
Are there any additional comments you would like to share regarding Article 15?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey!
