Sign Regulations in Auburn, Alabama
Auburn, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 61 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤16 ft height), Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤12 ft height), Shopping Center Sign - Strip Mall Shopping Center (15,000–29,999 sq ft GBA). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Auburn, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Auburn
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤16 ft height) | 16 ft (combined height of base and sign) | 100 sq ft (one sign); 130 sq ft combined (two signs, when allowed) | 10 ft from side lot lines and 10 ft from front/street property line |
| Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤12 ft height) | 12 ft (combined height of base and sign) | 120 sq ft (one sign); 150 sq ft combined total (two signs on corner or double frontage lots) | 10 ft from side lot lines and 10 ft from front/street property line |
| Shopping Center Sign - Strip Mall Shopping Center (15,000–29,999 sq ft GBA) | 20 ft (combined base and sign) | 120 sq ft (one sign); 150 sq ft combined (two signs on corner/double frontage) | 10 ft side; 10 ft front/street property line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for AuburnFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
61
- Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤16 ft height)
- Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤12 ft height)
- Shopping Center Sign - Strip Mall Shopping Center (15,000–29,999 sq ft GBA)
- Shopping Center Sign - Neighborhood Shopping Center (small) (30,000–64,999 sq ft GBA)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
12
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Auburn
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
In Auburn, monument signs are limited to 16 ft (combined height of base and sign). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Auburn, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Auburn, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤16 ft height), Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤12 ft height), Shopping Center Sign - Strip Mall Shopping Center (15,000–29,999 sq ft GBA), Shopping Center Sign - Neighborhood Shopping Center (small) (30,000–64,999 sq ft GBA), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Auburn, monument signs typically require a 10 ft from side lot lines and 10 ft from front/street property line setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Auburn are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Auburn has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Auburn, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Auburn, Alabama regulates 61 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤16 ft height)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 16 ft (combined height of base and sign) tall and 100 sq ft (one sign); 130 sq ft combined (two signs, when allowed), with a 10 ft from side lot lines and 10 ft from front/street property line setback (Sec. Sec. 605.01(A); Sec. 604(N); Sec. 607.03(A); Sec. 608.01(B)(5)). Most commercial signs in Auburn require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Auburn, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Auburn (12 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 16 | 60 ft | Up to 1,000 sq ft total; up to 1,250 sq ft on corner/double frontage; no individual sign larger than 500 sq ft | — |
| Urban Core District (UC) | 8 | 8 ft | Max 75 sq ft | — |
| College Edge Overlay District (CEOD) | 7 | ≤4 ft | Max 75 sq ft | — |
| Urban Neighborhood East District (UN-E), Urban Neighborhood West District (UN-W), Urban Neighborhood South District (UN-S) | 8 | 8 ft | Max 75 sq ft | — |
| Corridor Redevelopment District – East (CRD-E) | 2 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Corridor Redevelopment District – West (CRD-W) (east of North Donahue Drive) | 2 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Corridor Redevelopment District - Urban (CRD-U), Corridor Redevelopment District – Suburban (CRD-S) | 3 | 20/20/30/35/35/45 ft per category | Per category: 120/200/350/500/750/1000 sq ft; corner/double frontage combined limits apply | — |
| South College Corridor District (SCCD) | 3 | 60 ft (within 1,000 ft) OR 30 ft (within 1 mile and abutting) | 250 sq ft (within 1,000 ft of interchange) OR 130 sq ft (within 1 mile and abutting interstate ROW) | — |
| Interstate Commercial District (ICD) | 3 | 60 ft (within 1,000 ft) OR 30 ft (within 1 mile and abutting) | 250 sq ft (within 1,000 ft of interchange) OR 130 sq ft (within 1 mile and abutting interstate ROW) | — |
| Comprehensive Development District (CDD) | 3 | 20/20/30/35/35/45 ft per category | Per category: 120/200/350/500/750/1000 sq ft; corner/double frontage combined limits apply | — |
| Limited Development District (LDD) | 3 | 20/20/30/35/35/45 ft per category | Per category: 120/200/350/500/750/1000 sq ft; corner/double frontage combined limits apply | — |
| Planned Development District (PDD) | 3 | 20/20/30/35/35/45 ft per category | Per category: 120/200/350/500/750/1000 sq ft; corner/double frontage combined limits apply | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Auburn(sample of 3 of 12 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤16 ft height) | 16 ft (combined height of base and sign) | 100 sq ft (one sign); 130 sq ft combined (two signs, when allowed) | — | 10 ft from side lot lines and 10 ft from front/street property line | One per parcel unless otherwise allowed; two signs permitted on corner or double frontage lots (see area limits) | On any individual development site; no portion may project into the public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(A); Sec. 604(N); Sec. 607.03(A); Sec. 608.01(B)(5) |
| Freestanding Sign - General Business (≤12 ft height) | 12 ft (combined height of base and sign) | 120 sq ft (one sign); 150 sq ft combined total (two signs on corner or double frontage lots) | — | 10 ft from side lot lines and 10 ft from front/street property line | One per parcel unless otherwise allowed; two signs permitted on corner/double frontage lots (combined area 150 sq ft) | On any individual development site; no projection into public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(A) |
| Shopping Center Sign - Strip Mall Shopping Center (15,000–29,999 sq ft GBA) | 20 ft (combined base and sign) | 120 sq ft (one sign); 150 sq ft combined (two signs on corner/double frontage) | — | 10 ft side; 10 ft front/street property line | One sign; two permitted on corner/double frontage lots (combined area limits apply) | Shopping center sites | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(B) |
| Shopping Center Sign - Neighborhood Shopping Center (small) (30,000–64,999 sq ft GBA) | 20 ft | 200 sq ft (one sign); 250 sq ft combined (two signs on corner/double frontage) | — | 10 ft side; 10 ft front/street property line | One sign; two permitted on corner/double frontage lots (combined area limits apply) | Shopping center sites | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(B) |
| Shopping Center Sign - Neighborhood Shopping Center (65,000–99,999 sq ft GBA) | 30 ft | 350 sq ft (one sign); 450 sq ft combined (two signs on corner/double frontage) | — | 10 ft side; 10 ft front/street property line | One sign; two permitted on corner/double frontage lots (combined area limits apply) | Shopping center sites | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(B) |
| Shopping Center Sign - Community Shopping Center (100,000–499,999 sq ft GBA) | 35 ft | 500 sq ft (one sign); 625 sq ft combined (two signs on corner/double frontage) | — | 10 ft side; 10 ft front/street property line | One sign; two permitted on corner/double frontage lots (combined area limits apply) | Shopping center sites | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(B) |
| Shopping Center Sign - Regional Shopping Center (500,000–999,999 sq ft GBA) | 35 ft | Up to 750 sq ft total; up to 950 sq ft on corner/double frontage; no individual sign larger than 400 sq ft | — | 10 ft side; 10 ft front/street property line | Up to three signs total (individual sign ≤400 sq ft) | Shopping center sites | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(B) |
| Shopping Center Sign - Super Regional Shopping Center or Mall (≥1,000,000 sq ft GBA) | 45 ft | Up to 1,000 sq ft total; up to 1,250 sq ft on corner/double frontage; no individual sign larger than 500 sq ft | — | 10 ft side; 10 ft front/street property line | Up to four signs total (individual sign ≤500 sq ft) | Shopping center sites | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(B) |
Urban Core District (UC)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Sign - Single-story Primary Facade (UC) | — | Max 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to any building facade; must be mounted between the first and second story line, or between the second and third story line, or near the top of the wall; may not be mounted higher than the building | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) (Urban Core); Electronic reader board prohibition: Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Building Sign - Single-story Other Facades (UC) | — | Max 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building; mounting location rules apply | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Building Sign - Multi-story Primary Facade (UC) | — | Max 75 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building; mounting location rules apply | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Building Sign - Multi-story Other Facades (UC) | — | Max 75 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building; mounting location rules apply | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Building Sign - Ground Story Nonresidential Facade (UC) | — | Max 75 sq ft | — | — | — | On ground-story facades that face a public street | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Blade Sign (UC) | — | ≤6 sq ft | — | — | One blade sign per applicable facade | Ornamental rod extending perpendicular from building; bottom of blade sign at least 9 ft above sidewalk level | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Sandwich Board Sign (UC) | ≤4 ft | ≤8 sq ft per side | — | — | One per business frontage, subject to spacing | Placed in front of the building or leased space during business hours only | — | Unlock | Sec. 603.16; Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Freestanding Sign (Legacy Only) - UC | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from side lot lines and 10 ft from front/street property line | — | On development site; no portion may project into the public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(D); Sec. 605.04(A) (reader board prohibition); Sec. 607.03(A) |
Urban Neighborhood East District (UN-E), Urban Neighborhood West District (UN-W), Urban Neighborhood South District (UN-S)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Sign - Single-story Primary Facade (UN districts) | — | Max 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building; must be mounted between first and second story line, or between second and third story line, or near top of wall; not higher than the building | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) (Urban Neighborhood districts); UN-W cross-reference: Sec. 509.03 (Signage references Sec. 605.04(A)) |
| Building Sign - Single-story Other Facades (UN districts) | — | Max 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building; mounting location rules apply | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Building Sign - Multi-story Primary Facade (UN districts) | — | Max 75 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building; mounting location rules apply | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Building Sign - Multi-story Other Facades (UN districts) | — | Max 75 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building; mounting location rules apply | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Building Sign - Ground Story Nonresidential Facade (UN districts) | — | Max 75 sq ft | — | — | — | On ground-story facades that face a public street | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Blade Sign (UN districts) | — | ≤6 sq ft | — | — | One blade sign per applicable facade | Ornamental rod extending perpendicular from building; bottom of blade sign at least 9 ft above sidewalk | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A) |
| Sandwich Board Sign (UN districts) | ≤4 ft | ≤8 sq ft per side | — | — | One per business frontage, subject to spacing | Placed in front of the building or leased space during business hours only | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.04(A); Sec. 603.16 (exemption text applies to UC/CEOD) |
| Freestanding Sign (Restricted) - UN districts | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from side lot lines and 10 ft from front/street property line | — | On development site; no projection into public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 605.01(D); Electronic reader board prohibition: Sec. 605.04(A) |
PermitPal covers all 12 zoning districts in Auburn — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 12 zones for Auburn — start freeProhibited Signs in Auburn
- Any freestanding sign larger than the maximum face area allowed for that site by Section 605.01.A (oversized freestanding signs are prohibited, except shopping center signs per their standards).
- Signs that violate the City’s adopted building or electrical codes.
- Portable signs are prohibited except those specifically permitted as exemptions (Section 603).
- Beacons and searchlights are prohibited.
- Off-premise signs are prohibited.
- Flags on commercial property other than official flags are prohibited.
- Wind signs (flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers, captive balloons, or similar wind-activated objects) are prohibited, excluding holiday or community decorations.
- Inflatable signs, tethered balloons, and objects animated by forced air are prohibited.
- Any sign deemed a safety hazard by the Planning Director or Chief Codes Inspector is prohibited.
- Signs that imitate or resemble traffic signs/signals or use words/symbols likely to mislead traffic (including use of words like “stop” or “danger”) are prohibited.
- Signs within any public right-of-way (other than official traffic/government signs) are prohibited; signs that obstruct required sight-distance triangles are prohibited.
- Freestanding signs projecting into the public right-of-way are prohibited.
- Signs with moving, rotating, flashing, or otherwise animated lights are prohibited, except: time and temperature displays, traditional barber poles, and electronic reader boards whose messages are static, change no more often than every 30 seconds, and do not scroll, flash, or move; reader board content must relate to the on-premises business.
- Nonconforming abandoned sign structures must be altered to comply with current standards or removed.
- Strips or strings of lights outlining property lines, sales areas, rooflines, doors, windows, wall edges, or architectural features are prohibited (holiday/community decorations excepted; neon lighting allowed but counts toward signage if it depicts wording/logos).
- Signs on public land are prohibited unless erected by or with permission of a public authority.
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, smoke, steam, or involve live animals are prohibited.
- Signs that interfere with any fire escape, emergency exit, standpipes, or that obstruct windows so as to reduce required light/ventilation below code are prohibited.
- Signs of such intensity or brilliance that they cause glare or impair vision of motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians are prohibited.
- Signs with lighting/control mechanisms that cause unreasonable interference with radio, television, or other communication signals are prohibited.
- Signs placed on light poles, benches, bus shelters, waste receptacles, or shopping cart corrals are prohibited, except identification of the object’s use (e.g., “Cart Return,” “Bus Stop”); on‑premise identification on cart corrals is allowed but counts toward maximum sign area.
- Signs on public utility poles are prohibited unless erected by a public authority.
- Signs painted on or attached to trees, rocks, or other natural features are prohibited (except historical markers or signs identifying a natural feature).
- Any sign mounted to or applied on a structural roof (including painted roof signs) is prohibited.
- Signs projecting above a building’s roof or parapet line are prohibited.
- Signs so deteriorated or damaged that reconstruction/restoration would exceed 50% of replacement value (exclusive of foundations) are prohibited.
- Signs lettered in a crude or amateurish fashion are prohibited.
- Signs on broadcasting/telecommunications towers or antennas are prohibited, other than appropriate hazard/warning signs.
- Signs identifying a home-based business (home occupation) are prohibited.
- Vehicles or trailers that contain advertising and are not used in the daily conduct of the advertised business are prohibited; parking such vehicles/trailers on the perimeter of a lot next to a public street is considered advertising and is prohibited.
- Abandoned signs (e.g., sign identifying a previous use not occupying the site for more than 60 days, no current business license, or referring to a past time/event/purpose) are prohibited and must be removed within 60 days.
- Interior signs displayed so they are visible from a public right-of-way or adjoining properties are prohibited.
- Freestanding signs may not project into the public right-of-way and must meet required setbacks; no placement in public drainage/utility easements without required written permission.
- Sign illumination may not be designed or located to cause confusion with traffic signals, nor cast direct light into the eyes of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists.
Exempt Signs in Auburn
- Address numbers for E‑911 identification (not part of another sign); if included on a non‑residential building/wall sign, counts toward display area; incidental residential name/number signs are also exempt.
- Community event displays: temporary decorations or non‑commercial signs associated with citywide events (e.g., school activities, City‑sponsored events) displayed no earlier than 10 days before and removed within 3 days after the event.
- Construction signs identifying contractors, financial institutions, or developers on sites under construction/modification: up to 3 signs per site, 32 sq ft each; remove within 14 days after Certificate of Occupancy; for minor work not requiring a CO, max 6 sq ft and 14‑day display; routine lawn/landscape maintenance is not construction.
- Development signs at subdivision/office park entrances indicating lots for sale and developer/partners: max 32 sq ft, one per entrance; remove within 7 days after all lots in the development/phase are sold; excludes rent/lease signs (except for condo conversions).
- Directional signs for on‑site traffic/pedestrian direction (no advertising other than a logo), including identification for public telephones, trash receptacles, first aid, shopping cart corrals; max 5 sq ft.
- Directory signs: wall‑mounted, not legible from streets/adjoining property, listing businesses/tenants/activities within a building/group of buildings; one per building; max 20 sq ft.
- Hazard/Prohibition/Warning signs (e.g., construction, excavation warnings; “No Trespassing,” “No Parking”) that do not include commercial logos/advertising.
- Help Wanted signs for on‑site employment opportunities: one per business; max 6 sq ft.
- Holiday decorations used to celebrate a single holiday or season.
- Internal signs not intended to be viewed from and not visible from public right‑of‑way or adjacent properties (e.g., interior mall/shopping center signs; signs within ball parks/stadiums).
- Nameplates on non‑residential property identifying only the occupant’s name and occupation/profession; non‑electrical; max 2 sq ft.
- Official signs: federal, state, or local government traffic/directional/informational signs and notices; signs erected by government agencies for identification at public sites.
- Official flags (federal/state/local), emblems/historical markers, and flags/insignia of religious, charitable, fraternal, academic, or civic organizations; plus one corporate flag per lot of record; must follow U.S. Congressional protocol; flagpole locations shown on site plan; flagpoles max 30 ft high.
- Political signs (regulated by Auburn Municipal Code Section 8‑5).
- Real estate signs on the property for sale/lease/rent: one per street frontage; Residential—max 6 sq ft for one sign or 12 sq ft total for multiple signs; Non‑residential—max 32 sq ft. Model home/open house: one sign per property, max 6 sq ft, removed when model reverts; total number of real estate + model/open house signs per property may not exceed three; all must be on the subject property. Real estate/property management offices may use permitted reader boards/banners/wall signs; property notices must be generic (no specific off‑premise addresses/names).
- Vehicle signs on vehicles/trailers used in the normal day‑to‑day operation of the business (vehicle must serve a transportation function); vehicles/trailers must be parked at loading area, employee entrance, or main entrance of the business; vehicles parked on lot perimeters adjacent to public streets are considered advertising and are prohibited.
- Window signs with on‑premises messages visible from the street or adjoining properties.
- Subdivision amenity signs: Temporary—up to 4 signs per subdivision, max 2 sq ft each, max 3 ft height, located on private property (not within ROW), no off‑subdivision advertising, constructed per materials standards, removed when 90% of lots are developed or after 5 years (whichever first). Permanent—up to 3 signs per subdivision, max 4 sq ft each, max 4 ft height, permanently ground‑mounted on private property (not within ROW or buildings), constructed per materials standards.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Auburn
- A Master Signage Plan is optional and may be submitted for shopping centers, multi‑tenant commercial/retail developments, business parks, industrial parks, or mixed‑use developments located in the following districts: ICD, SCCD, CRD‑U, CRD‑S, CDD, LDD (Neighborhood Shopping Centers only), and PDD (Section 606.02).
- Master Signage Plan applications must be submitted in writing to the Planning Department and require approval by the Planning Commission; if complete, they are scheduled for the next Planning Commission meeting occurring at least 14 days after submission (Section 606.03).
- Submissions must include a site plan; scaled signage design plan; locations of buildings/parking/driveways/landscaping; computations of maximum sign area/height/number of detached signs (including any incentives); materials list; style and color palette; accurate locations of present and future permitted signs; and signatures of all owners/authorized agents (Section 606.04).
- Amendments to a Master Signage Plan require filing a new plan conforming to current requirements and Planning Commission approval (Section 606.05).
- For properties with existing signs, the Master Signage Plan must include a schedule to bring all signs into conformance by a specified date; this schedule becomes a condition of approval (Section 606.06).
- Incentives for an approved Master Signage Plan: all signs within the plan area are considered on‑premises for off‑premise determinations; freestanding (non‑monument) sign size/area may be increased up to 120% of what Article VI otherwise allows; monument sign size/area may be increased up to 130% (Section 606.07).
- Citywide prohibited sign provisions apply unless an exception is approved through a Master Signage Plan (Section 604 preface: prohibited in all zoning districts unless approved in a Master Signage Plan).
Source: other municipal code