Sign Regulations in Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 55 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Banners, Sandwich Board Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 30, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Mobile, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Mobile
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banners | — | Maximum 32 sq ft of banner material | — |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 36 inches (3 ft) | — | — |
| Political Campaign Sign | — | Residential areas: max 4 sq ft per face; Commercially zoned areas: max 32 sq ft per face | Minimum 10 ft from any street or public right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MobileFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
55
- Monument Sign
- Banners
- Sandwich Board Sign
- Address Number
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Mobile
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Mobile 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 Mobile, 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 Mobile, regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Banners, Sandwich Board Sign, Address Number, 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 Mobile 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 Mobile are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Mobile has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Mobile, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Mobile, Alabama regulates 55 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Sandwich Board Signs in the Downtown Development District (DDD) (T-5.1; T-5.2) zoning district are capped at 3 ft tall, 6 sq ft per face typical, and 2 ft wide (Sec. Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (1); Sec. 11(A)(8)). Most commercial signs in Mobile require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Mobile, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Mobile (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 36 inches (3 ft) | 35 sq ft per side | — |
| Historic Districts | 13 | Maximum 8 ft overall height | Up to 64 sq ft per tenant, subject to 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of primary building wall | — |
| Transitional Business (T-B) (Single establishment on single-building site) | 4 | 5 ft | Up to 100 sq ft | — |
| Transitional Business (T-B) (Multiple establishments on a single building site) | 4 | 5 ft | Up to 100 sq ft per tenant | — |
| Commercial and industrial districts (Single establishment on a building site); Neighborhood Business (B-2); Community Business (B-3); Office Distribution (B-5); Light Industry (I-1); Heavy Industry (I-2) — Single Establishment | 10 | 100 ft | Up to 350 sq ft | — |
| Commercial and industrial districts (Multiple establishments on a single building site); Neighborhood Business (B-2); Community Business (B-3); Office Distribution (B-5); Light Industry (I-1); Heavy Industry (I-2) — Multiple Establishments | 11 | 50 ft | 1,050 sq ft (single sign) | — |
| Downtown Development District (DDD) (T-3) | 3 | 6 ft high on wall; 4 ft high on mailbox | 5 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Development District (DDD) (T-4) | 16 | 10 ft overall (including mount) | 32 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Development District (DDD) (T-5.1; T-5.2) | 18 | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Development District (DDD) (T-6) | 18 | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Development District (DDD) (SD-WH) | 18 | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Mobile(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
Downtown Development District (DDD) (T-5.1; T-5.2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Board Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft per face typical | 2 ft | — | 1 per business | In front of business; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (1); Sec. 11(A)(8) |
| Diagonal Corner Sign | 15 ft | — | 3 ft | — | 1 per building | Building corners | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (2); Sec. 11(A)(4) |
| Upper Building (Storefront Frieze/Upper Storefront) | 3 ft (8 ft on specified Claiborne St segment) | — | Building length | — | 1 per building | Frieze or upper portion of storefront | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (5); Sec. 11(A)(4) |
| Hanging Blade Sign | — | 10 sq ft per face | — | Maintain ≥8 ft clearance if projection >1 ft | 1 per business | Projecting from building; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (6); Sec. 11(A)(7)-(8) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft | 25 sq ft per face; total 50 sq ft | 8 ft | — | 1 per site | On-site; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (14); Sec. 11(A)(8) |
| Free-Standing/Pole Sign | 8 ft | 20 sq ft per face; total 40 sq ft | 5 ft | — | 1 per site | On-site; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (15); Sec. 11(A)(8) |
| Banners | 4 ft (banner height) | 32 sq ft | 8 ft (banner length) | — | 1 per site per occurrence | On building; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (16); Sec. 11(A)(10); Sec. 64-4-14(M) |
| Parking Lot Identification Sign | 10 ft | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | — | 1 per driveway | At parking lot driveways | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Sec. 11(A)(3); Table A-11.1 (17) |
Downtown Development District (DDD) (T-6)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Board Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft per face typical | 2 ft | — | 1 per business | In front of business; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (1); Sec. 11(A)(8) |
| Diagonal Corner Sign | 15 ft | — | 3 ft | — | 1 per building | Building corners | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (2); Sec. 11(A)(4) |
| Upper Building (Storefront Frieze/Upper Storefront) | 3 ft (8 ft on specified Claiborne St segment) | — | Building length | — | 1 per building | Frieze or upper portion of storefront | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (5); Sec. 11(A)(4) |
| Hanging Blade Sign | — | 10 sq ft per face | — | Maintain ≥8 ft clearance if projection >1 ft | 1 per business | Projecting from building; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (6); Sec. 11(A)(7)-(8) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft | 25 sq ft per face; total 50 sq ft | 8 ft | — | 1 per site | On-site; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (14); Sec. 11(A)(8) |
| Free-Standing/Pole Sign | 8 ft | 20 sq ft per face; total 40 sq ft | 5 ft | — | 1 per site | On-site; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (15); Sec. 11(A)(8) |
| Banners | 4 ft (banner height) | 32 sq ft | 8 ft (banner length) | — | 1 per site per occurrence | On building; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (16); Sec. 11(A)(10); Sec. 64-4-14(M) |
| Parking Lot Identification Sign | 10 ft | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | — | 1 per driveway | At parking lot driveways | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Sec. 11(A)(3); Table A-11.1 (17) |
Downtown Development District (DDD) (SD-WH)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Board Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft per face typical | 2 ft | — | 1 per business | In front of business; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (1); Sec. 11(A)(8) |
| Diagonal Corner Sign | 15 ft | — | 3 ft | — | 1 per building | Building corners | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (2); Sec. 11(A)(4) |
| Upper Building (Storefront Frieze/Upper Storefront) | 3 ft (8 ft on specified Claiborne St segment) | — | Building length | — | 1 per building | Frieze or upper portion of storefront | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (5); Sec. 11(A)(4) |
| Hanging Blade Sign | — | 10 sq ft per face | — | Maintain ≥8 ft clearance if projection >1 ft | 1 per business | Projecting from building; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (6); Sec. 11(A)(7)-(8) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft | 25 sq ft per face; total 50 sq ft | 8 ft | — | 1 per site | On-site; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (14); Sec. 11(A)(8) |
| Free-Standing/Pole Sign | 8 ft | 20 sq ft per face; total 40 sq ft | 5 ft | — | 1 per site | On-site; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (15); Sec. 11(A)(8) |
| Banners | 4 ft (banner height) | 32 sq ft | 8 ft (banner length) | — | 1 per site per occurrence | On building; may encroach into ROW | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Table A-11.1 (16); Sec. 11(A)(10); Sec. 64-4-14(M) |
| Parking Lot Identification Sign | 10 ft | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | — | 1 per driveway | At parking lot driveways | — | Unlock | Appendix A, Sec. 11(A)(3); Table A-11.1 (17) |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Mobile — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Mobile — start freeProhibited Signs in Mobile
- Abandoned signs are prohibited; an abandoned sign and its above-ground support structure must be removed, and no new sign permits will be approved for the property until all abandoned signs are removed.
- No sign shall obstruct vision between 3 feet and 8 feet above street level; signs over 10 feet high may not be within 18 inches of the right-of-way or within 8 feet of a side property line adjacent to a single-family residence.
- Any sign projecting into or over a public right-of-way may not project more than 12 inches from the building front and must maintain at least 9 feet of clearance above grade.
- Signs imitating or resembling official traffic signs/signals, or that could mislead/confuse drivers, are prohibited.
- Signs employing intense flashing, strobe, blinking, pulsating, or moving lights that impair vision or interfere with drivers are prohibited; computerized message signs are allowed only if compliant with ordinance requirements.
- Signs employing motion that obstructs/interferes with a driver’s view of traffic or traffic control devices are prohibited.
- Sign lighting casting intense illumination onto residential premises in a way incompatible with residential character is prohibited.
- Roof-mounted signs are prohibited to the extent any portion of the sign extends above the building facade/parapet.
- Portable trailer signs are prohibited.
- Anchored flying paraphernalia is prohibited.
- Signs attached to public utility poles are prohibited.
- Any trailer sign with copy being towed or transported is prohibited.
- Bus bench signs are prohibited.
- Signs not clean and in good repair are prohibited.
- Signs not securely fixed to a substantial structure are prohibited.
- Signs that attempt to regulate, warn, or direct traffic or that imitate official traffic control devices are prohibited.
- Signs erected/maintained on trees or painted/drawn on rocks or other natural features are prohibited.
- Signs that block free ingress/egress from any door, window, or fire escape, or that are attached to a standpipe or fire escape, are prohibited.
- Stacked off‑premise signs are prohibited.
- Wind-activated signs are prohibited.
- Electronic or digital signs and flashing signs are prohibited unless they meet the citywide conditions (e.g., prohibited in Historic Districts; minimum 300 feet from residential zoning; automatic brightness controls and brightness limits; default freeze on malfunction; manufacturer certification at permit).
- Nonconforming signs may not be changed to or replaced with another nonconforming sign, structurally altered to extend life, expanded, relocated, re-established after more than 75% damage, or modified to increase nonconformity.
- Illegal signs (installed/erected/maintained in violation of the code or applicable building codes) are prohibited.
- Moving vehicle signage prohibitions: digital/electronic or moving/rotating vehicle signs; trailer signs; vehicles whose sole/primary purpose is advertising; and stationary vehicles with advertising parked within 25 feet of a street are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Mobile
- Official notices issued by any court, public agency, or officer (no permit required).
- Signs up to 1 square foot showing property numbers, occupant names, or other noncommercial premises identification (no permit required).
- Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion (no permit required).
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, excluding letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights (not treated as signs; no permit required).
- Most indoor signs do not require a sign permit; permanent mall corridor signs must comply with the ordinance and are not exempt.
- Signs whose predominant purpose is to display time and temperature or public service announcements (no permit required).
- On-site directional/traffic signs on private property with no advertising matter, up to 20 sq ft each (40 sq ft each for hospitals/health care facilities) (no permit required).
- Temporary interior window signs for sales/promotions that are clearly temporary (no permit required).
- Gasoline pump signs providing required information and tradenames, limited to 3 sq ft per face and 6 sq ft aggregate per pump (no permit required).
- Oil rack signs limited to 3 sq ft per face and 6 sq ft aggregate per rack (no permit required).
- Gasoline price signs: one per on‑premise frontage (max two per premises), up to 12 sq ft per face and 24 sq ft aggregate; max 5 feet tall if freestanding; if attached to a permanent freestanding sign, must meet freestanding sign standards (no permit required).
- Contractors’/craftsmen’s signs pertaining to on-site development/construction and real estate for-sale/for-lease signs on the subject property (no permit required).
- Essential safety/warning signs necessary to prevent property damage or ensure health, welfare, and safety; no limits on number or size (no permit required).
- Temporary signs (including mobile/portable) for charitable or nonprofit special events allowed up to 7 days per location per 6 months (no permit required).
- Moving vehicle signage allowed without permit in the following cases: public transportation vehicles (including full wraps); delivery/service/repair vehicles integral to business operations; personal or dealer-loaned vehicles for special events (no full wraps); taxi roof signs up to 18 inches above roof; personal mobility equipment signage up to 32 inches by 32 inches within the Henry Aaron Loop.
- Building graphics (murals/art) with no copy, symbols, or references to products/services are not considered signs and are exempt; if they include copy/symbols/references they are treated as wall signs.
- Political campaign signs are permitted in all districts when placed only on private property, removed within 7 days after the election/referendum, sized up to 4 sq ft per face in residential areas and 32 sq ft per face in commercial areas, and set back at least 10 feet from any street or public right‑of‑way.
- Government traffic or public notification signage installed, maintained, or directed by governmental agencies is exempt from the electronic/digital sign restrictions.
Source: municode municipal code