Sign Regulations in Hartselle, Alabama

Hartselle, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 11 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Development Sign, Boulevard Sign, Permanent Freestanding 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 Hartselle, Alabama

Sample Sign Requirements in Hartselle

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Building SignTop of wall40 - 200 SF
Freestanding Sign30 - 35 feet30 - 240 SF
Multi-tenant Locator Sign30 - 35 feet200 - 400 SF

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for HartselleFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

11

  • Development Sign
  • Boulevard Sign
  • Permanent Freestanding Sign
  • Temporary Sign
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

5

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Hartselle

City WebsiteMunicipal Code2 permit application links available

Frequently Asked Questions

In Hartselle, monument signs are limited to 30 - 35 feet. 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 Hartselle, 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 Hartselle, regulated sign types include Development Sign, Boulevard Sign, Permanent Freestanding Sign, Temporary Sign, 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 Hartselle 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 Hartselle are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hartselle has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Hartselle, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance

Hartselle, Alabama regulates 11 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Permanent Freestanding Signs in the Residential Zone (R) zoning district are capped at 10 feet tall, 60 SF, and 10 feet wide (Sec. Sec. 27.12(a)(2)). Most commercial signs in Hartselle require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hartselle, Alabama

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hartselle (5 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
Business and Industrial Zones630 - 35 feet200 - 400 SF
Residential Zone (R)310 feet60 SF
Agricultural Zone (AG)310 feet60 SF
Central Business District14 feet6 SF
General Regulations For All Zones210 feet32 SF

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hartselle(sample of 3 of 5 zones)

Business and Industrial Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Building SignTop of wall40 - 200 SF2On buildingUnlockSec. 27.12(b)(1)
Freestanding Sign30 - 35 feet30 - 240 SF1On lotUnlockSec. 27.12(b)(1)
Multi-tenant Locator Sign30 - 35 feet200 - 400 SF1On lotUnlockSec. 27.12(b)(3)
Vacant Lot Sign30 feet30 SF1On lotUnlockSec. 27.12(b)(4)
Menu Sign8 feet32 SF1 per travel laneNear drive-up ordering or service laneUnlockSec. 27.12(b)(5)
Fueling Structure SignBased on roof area of open structureBased on roof area of open structureOn freestanding or attached open structureUnlockSec. 27.12(b)(6)

Residential Zone (R)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Development Sign8 feet24 SF2 per entranceAt development entranceUnlockSec. 27.12(a)(1)
Boulevard Sign4 feet24 SF1 per entranceAt development entranceUnlockSec. 27.12(a)(1)
Permanent Freestanding Sign10 feet60 SF10 feet1On lot with assembly occupancy building or public facilityUnlockSec. 27.12(a)(2)

Agricultural Zone (AG)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Development Sign8 feet24 SF2 per entranceAt development entranceUnlockSec. 27.12(a)(1)
Boulevard Sign4 feet24 SF1 per entranceAt development entranceUnlockSec. 27.12(a)(1)
Permanent Freestanding Sign10 feet60 SF10 feet1On lot with assembly occupancy building or public facilityUnlockSec. 27.12(a)(2)

PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Hartselle — 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 Hartselle — start free

Prohibited Signs in Hartselle

  • Signs located in or encroaching upon the public right-of-way or public easements, except for governmental signs, signage related to a public event sanctioned by the Hartselle City Council, signage allowed on awnings or sidewalks within the Central Business District, and boulevard signs meeting specific standards.
  • Vehicle and/or trailer signs.
  • Inflatable signs, except for inflatable play structures at businesses or events, and small inflatable décor on residential or agricultural lots.
  • Beacons and searchlights.
  • Building signs mounted to a roof or protruding above a roof, except for canopy signs not protruding above the roof.
  • Animated signs.
  • Circulars, flyers, or handbills.
  • Signs erected, painted, or affixed to trees, rocks, natural features, utility poles, or existing street or traffic signs and posts.
  • Signs imitating traffic or emergency signals.
  • Signs not conforming to the general provisions of section 27.11.
  • Banners made of material other than defined.
  • Temporary signs, except as specifically permitted in section 27.9.
  • Abandoned signs.
  • Internally illuminated residential or apartment development signs.
  • Permanent signs, except as specifically permitted in section 27.12.
  • Double-faced signs, except as defined.
  • Signs displaying pornographic, obscene, profane, or unlawful messages and/or images.

Exempt Signs in Hartselle

  • Permanent signs not exceeding two square feet in face area.
  • Official signs or notices issued by any court or public agency or office.
  • Historical markers.
  • Changing of copy on a permitted reader board or marquee.
  • Face changes to existing signs utilizing the existing rigid framework.
  • Maintenance to signs as defined.
  • Temporary signs.
  • Window signs.
  • Balloons and inflatable signs not prohibited.
  • Street numbering affixed to the building and/or permitted permanent sign, not exceeding the minimum size or quantity necessary for reasonable visibility from the street by emergency response personnel.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hartselle

  • A sign permit is required for all signs, except as specifically exempted in section 27.8.
  • The applicant shall appear in person to the City of Hartselle Building Director and provide pertinent information to ascertain conformity.
  • Drawings including dimensions, overall height, total square footage, property lines, setbacks, existing signs and structures, and a general description of the sign type to be erected are required.

Source: municode municipal code