Sign Regulations in Jacksonville, Alabama
Jacksonville, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 42 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Portable/Mobile Sign, Exempt Governmental/Directions Signs, First Amendment Message Sign (Residential Use). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Jacksonville, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Jacksonville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable/Mobile Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — |
| First Amendment Message Sign (Residential Use) | 4 ft | 8 sq ft | — |
| First Amendment Message Sign (Non-Residential Use) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
42
- Portable/Mobile Sign
- Exempt Governmental/Directions Signs
- First Amendment Message Sign (Residential Use)
- First Amendment Message Sign (Non-Residential Use)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Jacksonville
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, regulated sign types include Portable/Mobile Sign, Exempt Governmental/Directions Signs, First Amendment Message Sign (Residential Use), First Amendment Message Sign (Non-Residential Use), 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Jacksonville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Jacksonville, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Jacksonville, Alabama regulates 42 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Yard Sale Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 4 sq ft, with a See 24-562(3) setback (Sec. Sec. 24-563(18)). Most commercial signs in Jacksonville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Jacksonville, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Jacksonville (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 23 | 35 ft permanent pole, 10 ft temporary staff | 48 sq ft | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts | 5 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Business Zoning Districts, Manufacturing Zoning Districts | 8 | 30 ft to highest tip; in certain areas, max 25 ft above main traveled way | 300 sq ft (max height of sign area 10 ft, max length 30 ft, extensions up to 15% additional area) | — |
| Non-residential Zoning Districts | 1 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| RIP Business District | 2 | — | 16 sq ft | — |
| B-1 Local Shopping Business District, B-2 General Business District | 3 | 25 ft | 150 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Jacksonville(sample of 3 of 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Amendment Message Sign (Residential Use) | 4 ft | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per household/business | On-premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-563(9) |
| First Amendment Message Sign (Non-Residential Use) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per household/business | On-premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-563(9) |
| No Trespassing/Soliciting/Warning Sign | 4 ft | 1 sq ft | — | — | Minimum necessary | On-premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-563(10) |
| For Sale or Rent Real Estate Sign (Residential Use) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On-premises; one per street frontage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-563(11) |
| For Sale or Rent Real Estate Sign (Non-Residential Use) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On-premises; one per street frontage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-563(11) |
| Construction/Land Development Project Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per project | On-premises; one per project. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-563(12) |
| Yard Sale Sign | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | See 24-562(3) | 1 per street frontage | On-premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-563(18) |
| Wind Sign for Special Event | 12 ft | 20 sq ft | — | Not in front setback. | 2 per event | On-premises, within 10 ft of main structure. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-563(25) |
Residential Zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional/Informational Sign (Quasi-Public Use) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | No closer than 1/2 setback from property line. | — | On-premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-565(1) |
| Bulletin Board/Identification Sign (Public Assembly, Institutional Use) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | No closer than 1/2 setback from property line. | — | On-premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-565(2) |
| Nursery/Kindergarten/Day Care Identification Sign | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | No closer than 1/2 setback from property line. | — | On-premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-565(3) |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Attached to wall adjacent to front door, not higher than top of door. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-565(4) |
| Subdivision/Multi-Family Development Identification Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | On-premises at each primary entrance to public street, in area designated on plans/plats. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-565(5) |
Business Zoning Districts, Manufacturing Zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | 30 ft to highest tip; in certain areas, max 25 ft above main traveled way | 300 sq ft (max height of sign area 10 ft, max length 30 ft, extensions up to 15% additional area) | 30 ft | 15 ft front, 10 ft side, see restrictions above. | — | Minimum 15 ft front, 10 ft side setback. Not on public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-564(1) |
| Digital Sign | — | — | — | — | — | May be integrated as freestanding, wall, monument, window, or projection sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-564(2) |
| Freestanding Sign | Up to 20 ft or max roofline (whichever lower) | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per premises (except different for shopping centers) | On-premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-564(3) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft (8 ft if enhanced with architectural material/design) | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per premises (except different for shopping centers) | On-premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-564(4) |
| Projection Sign | Bottom at least 10 ft from sidewalk/ground; top not above wall | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building (per facade) | On building facade facing ROW. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-564(5) |
| Roof Sign | Top not above highest roofline. | 60 sq ft (max); or 20% of roof area with pitch >= 45° | — | — | 1 per building | On roof. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-564(6) |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Business/Manufacturing Use) | 8 ft (including structure) | 48 sq ft | — | Not in right-of-way or alley. | 1 per entrance | On-premises at primary entrance, in area on plat. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-564(7) |
| Wall Sign | Top not above top of wall. | 20% of wall area (excluding doors/windows) | — | — | 1 per facade meeting criteria | On building facade with main entrance, facade oriented to ROW, or to customer lot. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-564(8) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Jacksonville — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Jacksonville — start freeProhibited Signs in Jacksonville
- No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where by reason of its position, working, illumination, shape, symbol, color, form or character it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or may be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal or device, or interfere with, mislead, confuse, or disrupt vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
- No sign shall be erected in or otherwise fixed to any object within a public right-of-way, alley, easement, or located such that it obstructs or physically interferes with the driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.
- A portable/mobile sign shall only be non-illuminated.
- The wattage of sign lighting should not exceed 60 watts per bulb, and no lights shall be permitted to flash, blink, or shimmer (except as set forth in the section for digital signs).
- No sign shall be permitted to rotate, oscillate or otherwise move and signs incorporating any noisy mechanical device (whistles, horns, sirens, or other noisy audible devices) are prohibited.
- No sign or any foundation or support thereof shall be erected on or overhanging any public right-of-way or alley, except signs owned by public/government agencies.
- No strings of light outlining property lines, sales area, rooflines, doors, windows, wall edges or other architectural features of a building shall be allowed, except when used as temporary community decorations, holiday decorations, or a promotional display.
- Only non-illuminated signs shall be allowed in and within 100 feet of any residential zoning district, except as set forth for residential zoning districts.
- No sign shall be suspended across public streets, except signs owned by public/government agencies.
- No sign or any foundation or support thereof shall be located in a right-of-way, alley, or easement.
- Banners are prohibited to be used as a permanent sign.
- Wind signs that are mechanically operated or inflated are prohibited.
- No sign containing messages of obscenity, defamation, and libel is allowed as permitted by law.
Exempt Signs in Jacksonville
- Regulatory, directional, informational, and construction signage installed by any government agency or quasi-public agency.
- Signs listed in Sec. 24-563 (Signs allowed without a sign permit), including traffic/pedestrian regulatory signs, construction signs, street name signs, signs for public utilities and public transportation, address numbers, one non-illuminated First Amendment sign per household/business, no trespassing/warning signs, real estate for sale/rent signs, construction/contractor signs, employment opportunity signs, flags and flagpoles (per limitations), menu boards (with conditions), yard sale signs, window signs, political signs, certain signs for special events, and other specifically enumerated exempt signs.
- Changing the copy, announcement or message on a sign does not require a permit.
- Cleaning, painting, or comparable maintenance of a sign that does not alter sign area, image, or message does not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Jacksonville
- A written sign permit application must be submitted and approved, including plans and specifications (if required by the enforcing officer); plans may include a site plan of the development showing location of any temporary or permanent sign(s), building facade dimensions, sign elevations and dimensions, supporting structures/footings, height from grade, type and placement of illumination (if illuminated), and electrical plans.
- Sign permit requests are incomplete until all submittal requirements, including plans and documentation, are provided to the enforcing officer.
- Subdivision identification signs must be located in an area designated on a subdivision plat.
- Subdivision and multi-family dwelling development identification signs in residential areas must be located in an area designated on the plans or subdivision plat.
Source: municode municipal code