Sign Regulations in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 4 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Off-premises Sign, On-premises Sign, Wall Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: March 31, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Birmingham, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Birmingham
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-premises Sign | 40 feet | 800 square feet | Minimum spacing of 1,000 linear feet on the same side of the street; 500 linear feet on opposite sides. |
| On-premises Sign | 50 feet | 672 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
4
- Off-premises Sign
- On-premises Sign
- Wall Sign
- Portable Sign
Zoning Districts
2
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Birmingham
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Birmingham vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Birmingham, 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 Birmingham, regulated sign types include Off-premises Sign, On-premises Sign, Wall Sign, Portable Sign. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Birmingham vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Birmingham are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Birmingham has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Birmingham, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Birmingham, Alabama regulates 4 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Off-premises Signs in the B-3 Community Business Districts zoning district are capped at 40 feet tall, 800 square feet, and 50 feet wide, with a Minimum spacing of 1,000 linear feet on the same side of the street; 500 linear feet on opposite sides. setback (Sec. Ord. No. 97-21, 2-18-1997). Most commercial signs in Birmingham require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Birmingham, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Birmingham (2 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-3 Community Business Districts | 2 | 50 feet | 800 square feet | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Birmingham
B-3 Community Business Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-premises Sign | 40 feet | 800 square feet | 50 feet | Minimum spacing of 1,000 linear feet on the same side of the street; 500 linear feet on opposite sides. | — | Not permitted on top of any building or rooftop. | — | Unlock | Ord. No. 97-21, 2-18-1997 |
| On-premises Sign | 50 feet | 672 square feet | — | — | Determined based on maximum square footage allowance. | Not within 15 feet of any residential zone boundary. | — | Unlock | Ord. No. 97-21, 2-18-1997 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Directly upon, but no higher than, the building wall. | — | Unlock | Ord. No. 97-21, 2-18-1997 |
| Portable Sign | — | — | — | — | One per business establishment. | — | — | Unlock | Ord. No. 97-21, 2-18-1997 |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Birmingham are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Birmingham
- It shall be unlawful for any person to suspend any flag, banner, streamer, cloth, placard, notice, poster, sign, advertisement, festoon or other matter or device from that portion of any wire, cable or other facility which may now or hereafter exist above the roadway of any street of the city.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to take down, alter, injure or deface any sign or marker indicating the name of any street.
- Signs shall not be erected or maintained which imitate, resemble, obscure or otherwise physically interfere with any official traffic sign, signal or device, nor obstruct or physically interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
- Signs shall not be erected or maintained which are structurally unsafe or in substantial disrepair.
- It shall be unlawful to use a vehicle or trailer as a sign in circumvention of this section.
- No illuminated or highly reflective signs, including their structures, shall be erected or maintained which are not effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the street or roadways, or from shining on or into residential buildings or otherwise adversely affecting surrounding or facing premises; or which adversely affect the safe operation of motor vehicles by reason of light intensity or brilliance which cause glare or otherwise impair the vision of the driver of the motor vehicle.
Exempt Signs in Birmingham
- Bulletin boards and identification signs for public, charitable, educational or religious institutions located on the premises of said institutions and not exceeding 24 square feet in total area.
- One construction sign per street frontage located on property where building is actually in progress under a valid building permit, which may include the names of persons and firms performing services, labor, or supplying materials to the premises and not exceeding 24 square feet.
- Flags or insignias of a governmental, religious, charitable, or fraternal organization, except when displayed in connection with a commercial promotion.
- Decorative flags and bunting for celebrations, conventions, and commemorations for a prescribed period of time when authorized by the city council.
- One occupational sign or one professional name plate for each premises, denoting only the name, street, number and business of an occupant in a commercial building or public institutional building. Each occupational sign or professional name plate shall not exceed six square feet in area.
- Political signs.
- Window signs which identify or advertise activities, services, goods, or products available within the building, and which collectively cover 20 percent or less of the window glass surface area.
- Fuel price informational signs advertising the price of motor vehicle fuel provided that only one fuel price informational sign shall be permitted per fuel pump which sign shall be limited in size to an area of 216 square inches, shall be affixed directly and firmly to the fuel pump and shall be stationary.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Birmingham
- Application for a permit shall be made to the department of planning, engineering and permits and shall be accompanied by such drawings, plans, specifications, and engineering designs as may be necessary to fully advise and acquaint the department personnel with the proposed sign and sign location and be accompanied with the deed, lease or other agreement by which the applicant has the right to erect, use or maintain the proposed sign at that location.
Source: municode municipal code