Sign Regulations in Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 6 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Political Signs, Directional and Other Official Signs (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways), On-Premise Sale or Lease Sign (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 14, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Montgomery, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Montgomery
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard) (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways) | Sign face: 30 ft max height; Sign structure height: On interstates/freeways/major arterials, 50 ft maximum or 30 ft above grade of the highway oriented to, whichever is greater (variance possible by Board of Adjustment). On primary highways within city limits, height governed by the zoning district (variance possible). | 1,200 sq ft per sign face (aggregate per facing not to exceed 1,200 sq ft if two signs used facing the same direction) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
6
- Political Signs
- Directional and Other Official Signs (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways)
- On-Premise Sale or Lease Sign (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways)
- On-Premise Sign Advertising Activities on the Property (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Montgomery
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Montgomery 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 Montgomery, 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 Montgomery, regulated sign types include Political Signs, Directional and Other Official Signs (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways), On-Premise Sale or Lease Sign (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways), On-Premise Sign Advertising Activities on the Property (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways), 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Montgomery has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Montgomery, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Montgomery, Alabama regulates 6 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard) (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways)s in the Central business districts (B-1-a, B-1-b); Business district (single stores) (B-2); Highway commercial district (B-3); Planned commercial (local) (B-4); Planned commercial (community) (B-5); Light industry (M-1); Industrial park (planned area) (M-2); General industry (M-3) zoning district are capped at Sign face: 30 ft max height; Sign structure height: On interstates/freeways/major arterials, 50 ft maximum or 30 ft above grade of the highway oriented to, whichever is greater (variance possible by Board of Adjustment). On primary highways within city limits, height governed by the zoning district (variance possible). tall, 1,200 sq ft per sign face (aggregate per facing not to exceed 1,200 sq ft if two signs used facing the same direction), and 60 ft maximum length wide (Sec. Art. IX, Sec. 1(c)(4); Sec. 2(b), (h); Sec. 3(a)–(e) (size, lighting, spacing, height, general)). Most commercial signs in Montgomery require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Montgomery, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Montgomery (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | — | — |
| Designated entertainment districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| Central business districts (B-1-a, B-1-b); Business district (single stores) (B-2); Highway commercial district (B-3); Planned commercial (local) (B-4); Planned commercial (community) (B-5); Light industry (M-1); Industrial park (planned area) (M-2); General industry (M-3) | 1 | Sign face: 30 ft max height; Sign structure height: On interstates/freeways/major arterials, 50 ft maximum or 30 ft above grade of the highway oriented to, whichever is greater (variance possible by Board of Adjustment). On primary highways within city limits, height governed by the zoning district (variance possible). | 1,200 sq ft per sign face (aggregate per facing not to exceed 1,200 sq ft if two signs used facing the same direction) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Montgomery
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Signs | — | — | — | — | — | Not permitted in public rights-of-way or on city properties. Must be at least 30 feet from polling place entrances on election day. May be placed at polling locations no more than 36 hours prior to opening. May be placed no earlier than 8 weeks prior to an election. Must be removed 10 days after an election (or 10 days after runoff election, if applicable). | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-8(a)–(h) |
| Directional and Other Official Signs (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways) | — | — | — | — | — | Adjacent to and within 660 feet of the nearest edge of right-of-way of interstate or primary highways (measured horizontally along a line normal to the centerline). | — | Unlock | Art. IX, Sec. 1(c)(1); Sec. 2(b)–(h) (definitions) |
| On-Premise Sale or Lease Sign (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways) | — | — | — | — | — | On the property being advertised; visible from an interstate or primary highway within 660 feet of ROW. | — | Unlock | Art. IX, Sec. 1(c)(2); Sec. 2(b), (h) |
| On-Premise Sign Advertising Activities on the Property (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways) | — | — | — | — | — | On the property on which the advertised activities are conducted; visible from an interstate or primary highway within 660 feet of ROW. | — | Unlock | Art. IX, Sec. 1(c)(3); Sec. 2(b), (h) |
Designated entertainment 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Sign (Entertainment District Public Property) | — | — | — | — | — | On public property within designated entertainment districts (e.g., city street right-of-way). Portable sign means any on-premise sign not affixed to real property such that removal would cause serious injury or material damage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 24-1(a)–(b) (including definition of portable sign) |
Central business districts (B-1-a, B-1-b); Business district (single stores) (B-2); Highway commercial district (B-3); Planned commercial (local) (B-4); Planned commercial (community) (B-5); Light industry (M-1); Industrial park (planned area) (M-2); General industry (M-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard) (Adjacent to Interstate/Primary Highways) | Sign face: 30 ft max height; Sign structure height: On interstates/freeways/major arterials, 50 ft maximum or 30 ft above grade of the highway oriented to, whichever is greater (variance possible by Board of Adjustment). On primary highways within city limits, height governed by the zoning district (variance possible). | 1,200 sq ft per sign face (aggregate per facing not to exceed 1,200 sq ft if two signs used facing the same direction) | 60 ft maximum length | — | One or two signs per facing allowed; double-faced, back-to-back, or V-type structures permitted; aggregate per facing ≤ 1,200 sq ft. | In areas zoned commercial, industrial, or business, adjacent to (within 660 ft of) federal interstate or primary highways. | — | Unlock | Art. IX, Sec. 1(c)(4); Sec. 2(b), (h); Sec. 3(a)–(e) (size, lighting, spacing, height, general) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Montgomery are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Montgomery
- No signs are permitted on public property (including city street rights-of-way and utility poles) except portable signs specifically permitted in designated entertainment districts
- It is unlawful to place any sign around Court Square Fountain, including on the fountain, its fence, or any part thereof
- It is unlawful to post, paste, or attach any signboard, bill, advertisement, or other paper to utility poles, fire alarm poles, any tree on city streets, or any fixed object on city-owned property
- It is unlawful to attach any bill, advertising matter, or other paper to any veranda or the front of any building in the city
- Owners or occupants may not permit fences, houses, stores, walls, or verandas on their premises to have showbills or advertising posters pasted, hung, or attached
- It is unlawful to tear down, deface, or destroy advertising signs or bulletins without consent of the sign owner or the property owner where the signs are displayed
- It is unlawful to take down, deface, or carry away any signboard, plate, or card indicating the name, occupation, or business of any person
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Montgomery
- Portable signs in designated entertainment districts require a city-issued permit; applications are filed with the City Department of Development and permit guidelines are available from the city clerk or the department website
- A variance from the board of adjustment is required to exceed sign height limits for outdoor advertising structures along interstate/freeway/major arterial highways and primary highways
- The board of adjustment may allow outdoor advertising signs to continue beyond standard nonconforming use/structure discontinuance periods
- No master sign plan or citywide sign plan requirement is specified in the provided text; development plans are required for certain zoning districts for general development but are not sign-specific
Source: municode municipal code