Sign Regulations in Montevallo, Alabama
Montevallo, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 12 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Building Sign, Projecting Sign. 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 Montevallo, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Montevallo
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | — | 4 square feet | — |
| Flag | 40 feet (pole) | 60 square feet (per flag) | — |
| Utility Sign | 3 feet | 0.5 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
12
- Monument Sign
- Building Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Montevallo
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Montevallo 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 Montevallo, 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 Montevallo, regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Building Sign, Projecting Sign, Freestanding 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 Montevallo 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 Montevallo are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Montevallo has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Montevallo, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Montevallo, Alabama regulates 12 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Temporary Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 8 feet tall and 32 square feet, with a At least 15 feet from street right-of-way setback (Sec. Sec. 11-120). Most commercial signs in Montevallo require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Montevallo, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Montevallo (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 40 feet (pole) | 60 square feet (per flag) | — |
| Undeveloped parcels | 1 | 10 feet | Maximum 96 square feet total; no sign over 64 square feet | — |
| One-family and two-family residences | 1 | — | 2 square feet | — |
| Subdivisions and farms | 1 | — | 12 square feet | — |
| Commercially developed parcels (NC3) | 2 | 4 feet | 6 square feet | — |
| Commercially developed parcels (UM) | 2 | 4 feet | 10 square feet | — |
| Commercially developed parcels (UC, D2, GTC, GC) | 3 | 4 feet | — | — |
| Commercially developed parcels (HC) | 4 | 20 feet | 90 square feet (per sign) | — |
| Commercially developed parcels (M1) | 4 | 20 feet | 60 square feet (per sign) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Montevallo(sample of 3 of 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | — | On all parcels, to give directions regarding parking/access drives. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[1]A |
| Flag | 40 feet (pole) | 60 square feet (per flag) | — | — | 3 per parcel | On any parcel | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[1]B |
| Utility Sign | 3 feet | 0.5 square feet | — | — | — | On public utility sites/locations | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[1]C |
| Temporary Sign | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | At least 15 feet from street right-of-way | 1 per new/relocated business | On highway commercial parcels only | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-120 |
| Abandoned Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-124 |
| Nonconforming Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-123 |
Commercially developed parcels (HC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Sign | — | 90 square feet (per sign) | — | — | Not regulated | On buildings | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[5] Table, footnote ** |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — | — | Not regulated | On site | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[5] Table |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Projecting from building | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[5] Table |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 feet | 60 square feet | — | — | Not regulated | Freestanding on the parcel | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[5] Table |
Commercially developed parcels (M1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Sign | — | 60 square feet (per sign) | — | — | Not regulated | On buildings | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[5] Table, footnote *** |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — | — | Not regulated | On site | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[5] Table |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Projecting from building | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[5] Table |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 feet | 60 square feet | — | — | Not regulated | Freestanding on the parcel | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-121[5] Table |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Montevallo — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Montevallo — start freeProhibited Signs in Montevallo
- It is unlawful to erect, cause to be erected, maintain or cause to be maintained, any sign not expressly authorized by, or exempted from, these regulations.
- Any sign with a sign face area greater than 200 square feet (18.58 m2) is prohibited.
- Signs that are in violation of the building code or electrical code adopted by City of Montevallo are prohibited.
- Any sign that does or will constitute a safety hazard is prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited except as provided for temporary signs.
- Signs with visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means are prohibited, except for traditional barber poles.
- Signs with lights or illuminations that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker or vary in intensity or color are prohibited, except for time and temperature signs.
- Strings of light bulbs used on commercially developed parcels for commercial purposes are prohibited, other than traditional holiday decorations.
- Wind signs consisting of banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers or captive balloons, or other objects or materials fastened so as to move freely in the wind are prohibited.
- Signs that incorporate projected images, emit any sound intended to attract attention, or involve the use of live animals are prohibited.
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter such as smoke or steam are prohibited.
- Signs or sign structures that interfere in any way with free use of any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe, or that obstruct any window to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced below required levels are prohibited.
- Signs that resemble any official sign or marker erected by any governmental agency, or that by position, shape or color, would conflict with traffic signs or be confused with or conceal a traffic-control device are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct the vision of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists traveling on or entering public streets are prohibited.
- Nongovernmental signs that use the words 'stop', 'look', 'danger' or similar words or symbols are prohibited.
- Signs within ten feet of public right-of-way or 100 feet of traffic-control lights with red or green lights that might be confused with traffic control lights are prohibited.
- Signs that are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair vision of motorists, cyclists or pedestrians or that are a hazard or nuisance to occupants of nearby property are prohibited.
- Signs that contain any lighting or control mechanism that causes unreasonable interference with radio, television or other communication signals are prohibited.
- Signs painted, pasted, or printed on curbstone, flagstone, pavement, or any sidewalk or street are prohibited, except house numbers and traffic control signs.
- Signs placed upon benches, bus shelters or waste receptacles are prohibited except as may be authorized in writing.
- Signs erected on public property or on private property located on public property (such as private utility poles) other than those erected by a public authority for public purposes or otherwise permitted are prohibited.
- Signs erected over or across any public street are prohibited except as expressly authorized and except governmental signs.
- Roof signs placed above the roof line of a building or on or against a roof slope of less than 45 degrees are prohibited.
- Vehicle signs with a total sign area in excess of ten square feet when the vehicle is parked for more than 60 consecutive minutes within 100 feet of a street right-of-way, is visible from the street right-of-way, and is not regularly used in the conduct of the business advertised are prohibited.
- Any abandoned sign is prohibited and must be removed.
- Illegal signs include: any sign erected or maintained after the effective date inconsistent with these terms; a nonconforming sign erected inconsistent with previous applicable standards; and abandoned signs.
Exempt Signs in Montevallo
- Signs not designed or located to be legible from any street or adjoining property.
- Signs of two square feet or less and with no letters, symbols, logos or designs in excess of two inches in dimension, provided such sign is not otherwise prohibited.
- Signs necessary to promote health, safety and welfare, and other regulatory, statutory, traffic control or directional signs erected on public property with appropriate permission.
- Legal notices and official instruments.
- Decorative flags and bunting for a community-wide celebration, convention, or commemoration when authorized by the City for a prescribed period of time.
- Holiday lights and decorations.
- Merchandise displayed behind storefront windows as long as no part of the display moves or contains flashing lights.
- Memorial signs or tablets, historical markers, name of a building and dates of erection when cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible materials and attached to the building.
- Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a manufacturer or distributor which advertise only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment (such as vending machine, newspaper rack, telephone booth, gasoline pump signs).
- Advertising and identifying signs located on taxicabs, buses, trailers, trucks, or vehicle bumpers.
- Public warning signs indicating dangers of trespassing, swimming, animals, or similar hazards.
- Works of art that do not constitute advertising.
- Signs carried by a person.
Source: municode municipal code