Sign Regulations in Dothan, Alabama
Dothan, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 57 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Permanent On-Premise Signs - General, Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Inside Ross Clark Circle (≥500 ft inside), Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Elsewhere in the City. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 9, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Dothan, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Dothan
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent On-Premise Signs - General | — | — | Minimum 3 ft from right-of-way or property line |
| Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Inside Ross Clark Circle (≥500 ft inside) | 65 ft (top of highest attached component); lowest portion ≥16 ft above adjacent road grade | 400 sq ft | 10 ft (edge of board to property/right-of-way line); ≥100 ft from residential districts |
| Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Elsewhere in the City | 65 ft (top of highest attached component); lowest portion ≥16 ft above adjacent road grade | 675 sq ft | 10 ft (edge of board to property/right-of-way line); ≥100 ft from residential districts |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for DothanFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
57
- Permanent On-Premise Signs - General
- Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Inside Ross Clark Circle (≥500 ft inside)
- Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Elsewhere in the City
- Temporary Sign - Banner
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Dothan
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Dothan 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 Dothan, 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 Dothan, regulated sign types include Permanent On-Premise Signs - General, Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Inside Ross Clark Circle (≥500 ft inside), Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Elsewhere in the City, Temporary Sign - Banner, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Dothan 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 Dothan are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Dothan has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Dothan, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Dothan, Alabama regulates 57 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Monument Sign (Residential Developments - Entrance Options)s in the Residential Districts zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall, Option: Two separate structures flanking entrance, each face ≤32 sq ft; or one double-faced structure, each face ≤48 sq ft, and Monument signs (including embellishments) ≤12 ft width wide, with a General setbacks apply setback (Sec. Sec. 114-217(a)-(b); Table 1; Sec. 114-216(f) (monument size cap)). Most commercial signs in Dothan require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Dothan, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Dothan (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | 65 ft (top of highest attached component); lowest portion ≥16 ft above adjacent road grade | 675 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts | 6 | 8 ft | 48 sq ft | — |
| Office and Institutional Districts (O-I, O-2, O-3) | 6 | 12 ft (office parks/multiple occupancy) | ≤42 sq ft and ≤10% of façade | — |
| Commercial or Industrial Districts (B-1, B-2, B-3, L-I, H-I) | 31 | 42 ft | 378 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Overlay District (E Subdistrict, HC/G Subdistrict) | 1 | — | ≤10 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Dothan(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent On-Premise Signs - General | — | — | — | Minimum 3 ft from right-of-way or property line | — | Must be wholly on the site to which the message refers; no portion closer than 3 ft to the nearest right-of-way or property line; must not create traffic or visual obstructions (Dothan Code §98-10); multiple signs on same parcel frontage must be at least 300 ft apart | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-213; Sec. 114-214(a)-(j) |
| Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Inside Ross Clark Circle (≥500 ft inside) | 65 ft (top of highest attached component); lowest portion ≥16 ft above adjacent road grade | 400 sq ft | — | 10 ft (edge of board to property/right-of-way line); ≥100 ft from residential districts | Spacing ≥500 ft on same side of street; no stacked or side-by-side billboards | Allowed in certain zoning districts (see Table of Uses); must be ≥100 ft from any residentially zoned district; setback 10 ft from edge of board to any property line/right-of-way; spacing ≥500 ft between off-premise signs on same side of street; structures not above/below or side-by-side | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-215(1)-(10) |
| Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) - Elsewhere in the City | 65 ft (top of highest attached component); lowest portion ≥16 ft above adjacent road grade | 675 sq ft | — | 10 ft (edge of board to property/right-of-way line); ≥100 ft from residential districts | Spacing ≥500 ft on same side of street; no stacked or side-by-side billboards | See Table of Uses; ≥100 ft from any residentially zoned district; setback 10 ft from edge of board to any property line/right-of-way; spacing ≥500 ft on same side of street; structures not above/below or side-by-side | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-215(1)-(10) |
| Temporary Sign - Banner | — | — | — | Comply with general setback/sight distance rules | Max 1 per address | On-premise only; not in public right-of-way; not in sight triangle; not attached to natural objects, utility appurtenances, or traffic control devices | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-220(f); Sec. 114-213(f) |
| Temporary Sign - Wind Sign | — | — | — | Comply with general setback/sight distance rules | Max 1 per address | On-premise only; not in public right-of-way; not in sight triangle; not attached to natural objects, utility appurtenances, or traffic control devices | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-220(f) |
| Temporary Sign - Portable Sign | — | — | — | Comply with general setback/sight distance rules | — | Allowed at locations approved in Table of Permitted Uses; on-premise; not in public right-of-way; not in required parking spaces | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-220(g); Sec. 114-213(f) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) - General | — | May occupy portion or all of area allowed for corresponding freestanding or building sign | — | As applicable to the host sign type | — | Permitted in office, commercial and industrial districts (special exception required if sign is for a non-residential use located in a residential district) | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-221; Sec. 114-222 |
| Directory Sign (Permit-Exempt) | — | ≤20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | On-premise; listing businesses/tenants/activities within a building or group of buildings | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-211(7) |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding or Wall Sign (Individual Residential Properties) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft from right-of-way/property line | 1 per street front | 1 per street front | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-217 Table 1 |
| Monument Sign (Residential Developments - Entrance Options) | 8 ft | Option: Two separate structures flanking entrance, each face ≤32 sq ft; or one double-faced structure, each face ≤48 sq ft | Monument signs (including embellishments) ≤12 ft width | General setbacks apply | 1 per street front | 1 per street front (development entrances) | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-217(a)-(b); Table 1; Sec. 114-216(f) (monument size cap) |
| Wall Sign (Residential Developments) | — | 5% of façade area | — | — | 1 per façade | 1 per façade | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-217 Table 1 |
| Incidental or Directional Sign (Residential Districts) | — | — | — | — | — | On-premise | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-217 Table 1 |
| Monument Sign (Permitted Non-Residential Uses in Residential Districts) | 8 ft | 48 sq ft | Monument signs ≤12 ft width (including embellishments) | General setbacks apply | 1 per street front | 1 per street front; separation distance of 300 ft between signs for non-residential uses in residential districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-217(c); Table 1; Sec. 114-216(f) |
| Wall Sign (Permitted Non-Residential Uses in Residential Districts) | — | 5% of façade area | — | — | 1 per façade | 1 per façade | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-217(c); Table 1 |
Commercial or Industrial Districts (B-1, B-2, B-3, L-I, H-I)
| 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 (B-1) (Speed >25 mph) | 14 ft | 24 sq ft | — | General setbacks apply | See separation rules; generally 1 per frontage | On-premise along B-1 frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-219(a)-(b) Table 3 (B-1) |
| Freestanding Sign (B-1) (Speed 30 mph) | 16 ft | 28 sq ft | — | General setbacks apply | — | On-premise along B-1 frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-219(b) Table 3 (B-1) |
| Freestanding Sign (B-1) (Speed 35 mph) | 18 ft | 32 sq ft | — | General setbacks apply | — | On-premise along B-1 frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-219(b) Table 3 (B-1) |
| Freestanding Sign (B-2) (Speed >25 mph) | 26 ft | 78 sq ft | — | General setbacks apply | — | On B-2 frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-219(b) Table 3 (B-2) |
| Freestanding Sign (B-2) (Speed 30 mph) | 30 ft | 112 sq ft | — | General setbacks apply | — | On B-2 frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-219(b) Table 3 (B-2) |
| Freestanding Sign (B-2) (Speed 35 mph) | 36 ft | 153 sq ft | — | General setbacks apply | — | On B-2 frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-219(b) Table 3 (B-2) |
| Freestanding Sign (B-2) (Speed 40 mph) | 42 ft | 200 sq ft | — | General setbacks apply | — | On B-2 frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-219(b) Table 3 (B-2) |
| Freestanding Sign (B-2) (Speed 45 mph) | 42 ft | 253 sq ft | — | General setbacks apply | — | On B-2 frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 114-219(b) Table 3 (B-2) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Dothan — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Dothan — start freeProhibited Signs in Dothan
- It is unlawful to erect, maintain, or cause to be maintained any sign not expressly authorized by or exempted from these regulations citywide.
- Signs erected without a permit.
- Window signs exceeding 25 percent of the glass area (pane) to which they are applied.
- Signs attached or affixed to any tree, building, or other structure other than a supporting frame for which the sign was designed.
- Abandoned signs: any sign or sign structure identifying a previous use or activity that has not occupied the site for more than 60 days, does not maintain a current business license, or pertains to a time, event, or purpose which no longer applies.
- Signs in violation of the city’s adopted building or electrical code.
- Beacons or strobe lights.
- Searchlights in operation exceeding three consecutive days per year.
- Any sign that, in the opinion of the administrative official, does or will constitute a safety hazard.
- Signs with visibly moving, revolving, or rotating parts; any visible mechanical/electrical movement; signs that emit audible sounds, vapor, smoke, steam; or signs involving live animals.
- Signs consisting of moving, rotating, or flashing lights or that otherwise contain animated displays by mechanical or electronic means.
- Freestanding signs that project into the public right-of-way, except as otherwise permitted for projecting or under-canopy/awning signs in the B-1 district.
- Any signs in the public right-of-way (subject to removal without notice).
- Signs of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair vision of motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians, or that illuminate adjacent residential areas.
- Signs mounted to the structure of the roof that project above the roof line.
- Signs placed, painted, or displayed on a motor vehicle or trailer parked or towed with the primary purpose of advertising a product, service, business, or activity not established at that location.
- Posters or handbills affixed to any structure or natural object in the right-of-way.
- Temporary signs such as portable signs, A-frame signs, wind signs, captive balloons, or banners except as permitted under the temporary sign provisions.
- Signs, markers, and advertising on the rights-of-way of state-controlled highways except official signs or markers placed by or under authority of the State Department of Transportation.
Exempt Signs in Dothan
- Signs that cannot be seen from the public roadway and are located entirely on private property (scope exemption).
- Signs located in any existing or future overlay district or planned unit development are governed by the requirements or restrictions of those ordinances (scope exemption).
- Any sign required to be maintained or posted by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation.
- Public warning signs indicating a dangerous or hazardous condition or trespass warning, provided they do not contain logos or text advertising a commercial product or activity.
- Address numbers complying with section 114-185.
- Flags or insignia of any government, religion, association, fraternal order, charitable organization, academic, corporate, sporting, or civic organization, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotions; U.S. flags must follow congressional protocol.
- Normal servicing of previously permitted sign structures, including change of copy for billboards and panel changes in structures designed to allow changeable copy.
- Memorial signs or tablets, historical markers, building name and date signs when cut into masonry or constructed of durable, noncombustible materials and attached to the building.
- Directory signs listing the businesses, tenants, or activities within a building or group of buildings (maximum 20 square feet; limited to one per building).
- Window signs not exceeding 25 percent of the glass area (pane) to which applied; such window signs are counted toward total allowable sign area.
- Changing the copy, announcement, or message on a manual reader board.
- Cleaning, painting, or maintaining a sign that does not alter the size or height of the sign.
- Murals or other forms of public artwork, provided any sponsorship information or logo does not exceed 1.5 square feet.
- Time and temperature signs on non-residential parcels (numerical time/temperature only; must be kept accurate); may be freestanding or building-mounted; not counted toward the occupant’s allowable sign area; subject to other applicable regulations.
- Vehicle signs attached to a vehicle or trailer used in the normal day-to-day operation of the business and serving a transportation function; prohibited if the vehicle/trailer is parked at a location other than the registered place of business.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Dothan
- A Master Signage Plan (MSP) is required before any sign permits are issued within a proposed MSP-designated area or phase; an MSP must be submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission as conforming with Sec. 114-225.
- MSP applicability criteria: the development area must be at least 10 acres; the use must be a campus, industrial park, office park, amusement park, shopping center, mixed-use development, planned residential community, public or semi-public use (or a phase thereof); and the premises must have at least 200 feet of lot frontage along a public thoroughfare.
- MSP submission must include a plot plan showing buildings, parking lots, driveways, landscaped areas; the proposed location of each present and future sign (including signs not requiring a permit unless exempted by the Planning Commission); and computations of total sign area, individual sign areas, sign heights, and building façades for mounting (including district-permitted signs and any additional area requested through the MSP).
- MSP review: may be submitted with a site plan, PUD plan, or other official plan; processed simultaneously; an MSP is required for each site or premises upon development in multi-phase projects; existing qualifying developments may apply for an MSP.
- Special Exception approval is required for illumination (including EMC signs) of signs for non-residential uses located in residential districts; EMCs in office/institutional districts located in a residential district also require Special Exception per the tables.
- Variances to the sign provisions may be granted only in cases of hardship connected to the physical features of the site (Sec. 114-224).
- A placement permit is required for temporary signs (no fee); permits establish display start/end dates and are valid for 30 days prior to installation (Secs. 114-213(f) and 114-220(a)).
Source: municode municipal code