last updated 5/16/17
1. The Sign Plan provides that signs of a similar type and function within the development will have a consistent
color scheme, architectural style, and material construction; and
2. The Sign Plan provides for signs that meet the size limitations, location requirements, and other applicable
requirements of the Sign Ordinance.
EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF SIGN PERMIT
A sign permit shall lapse automatically if the business license for the premises lapses, is revoked or not renewed. A sign
permit shall also lapse if the business is discontinued for a period of 90 days or more. The Sign Permit shall become null
and void if work or construction has not commenced within 6 months of the date of issuance of the Sign Permit or if work
is suspended or abandoned for 120 or more consecutive days following the beginning of construction.
REMOVAL OF SIGNS UPON DISCONTINUANCE OF USE
Whenever the use of a building or premises by a specific business or other establishment is discontinued by the owner or
occupant for a period of 90 days, the sign permits for all signs pertaining to that business or establishment that were
installed by the occupant or owner shall be deemed to have lapsed, and the signs shall be removed at the expense of the
occupant and/or owner, as well as all signs and related structural elements which do not conform to the Sign Ordinance.
SIGN PLAN SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
The sign plan shall conform, at a minimum, to the following requirements:
1. An application for a sign permit may be filed only by the owner of the property on which the sign is to be
erected, or by an agent, lessee, or contract purchaser specifically authorized by the owner to file such
application. Where an agent, lessee, or contract purchaser files the application, the agent, lessee, or contract
purchaser shall provide the City with written documentation that the owner of the property has authorized the
filing of the application.
2. An application for a sign permit shall be filed with the City of Lakeland on a form prescribed by the City,
along with the fee for such application as contained in Appendix “A” of the City Code of Lakeland,
3. Each application for a sign permit shall contain information required on the application form, and such other
information regarding the proposed sign as the City and/or Design Review Commission may deem necessary
in order to determine whether the proposed sign(s) complies with the applicable requirements of this
Ordinance and other applicable ordinances of the City.
4. The City shall determine whether the application is complete. If the City determines that the application is not
complete, then it shall notify the applicant of any deficiencies and shall take no further steps to process the
application until the applicant remedies the deficiencies.
5. The permit fee for each sign allowed under the requirements of this Ordinance shall be as prescribed in
Appendix “A” of the City Code of Lakeland, Tennessee.
6. A Sign Plan is required for all residential subdivisions, multifamily and townhome developments, planned unit
developments, non-residential subdivisions, non-residential developments, and all multi-building or multi-
occupant non-residential developments before any signs for such development may be erected on the property.
All owners, tenants, subtenants and purchasers of individual units within the development shall comply with
the Sign Plan approved by the City of Lakeland.
7. The Sign Plan shall consist of five distinct design elements that shall govern all signs within the development:
location, materials, size, color and illumination. The Sign Plan shall include details, specifications,
dimensions, and plans showing the proposed locations of sign and how such locations conform to the
requirements of this Ordinance. Material samples proposed for use on sign shall be included with submittal of
plan documents. A full-color rendered site plan and elevation drawing shall be included with the submittal of
plan documents. The Sign Plan shall also show the computations of the maximum total sign area permitted for