Sign Regulations in New Hope, Alabama

New Hope, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Electronic Display Sign, Electronic Message Center Sign, Political Sign (Residential Districts). 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 New Hope, Alabama

Sample Sign Requirements in New Hope

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Political Sign (Residential Districts)4 ft6 sq ftMin 5 ft from road/curb or min 1 ft from right-of-way line
Political Sign (Other Districts)4 ft32 sq ftMin 5 ft from road/curb or min 1 ft from right-of-way line
Community Function/Special Event Sign32 sq ft

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

PermitPal Coverage for New HopeFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

30

  • Electronic Display Sign
  • Electronic Message Center Sign
  • Political Sign (Residential Districts)
  • Political Sign (Other Districts)
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

4

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for New Hope

City WebsiteMunicipal Code2 permit application links available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in New Hope 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 New Hope, 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 New Hope, regulated sign types include Electronic Display Sign, Electronic Message Center Sign, Political Sign (Residential Districts), Political Sign (Other Districts), 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 New Hope 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 New Hope are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. New Hope has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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New Hope, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance

New Hope, Alabama regulates 30 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Construction Sign (Subdivision Entrance)s in the Residential Districts zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 32 sq ft, with a Not within 20 ft of public pavement or curb setback (Sec. Sec. 24-115(e)(1)a). Most commercial signs in New Hope require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for New Hope, Alabama

Sign Rules by Zoning District in New Hope (4 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones54 ft32 sq ft
Residential Districts11Must not extend more than 9 in above mailbox or 1 ft below80 sq ft total, signage max 36 sq ft
Business and Commercial Districts, B-1, B-21120 ft or not above parapet, whichever is less250 sq ft maximum
Industrial Districts, M-138 ft300 sq ft

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in New Hope(sample of 3 of 4 zones)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Electronic Display SignOn-site, must be part of permanent sign structure.UnlockSec. 24-114(b) (Ord. No. 429, § 2.01, 9-19-2022)
Electronic Message Center SignOn-site, part of permanent sign.UnlockSec. 24-114(b) (Ord. No. 429, § 2.01, 9-19-2022)
Political Sign (Residential Districts)4 ft6 sq ftMin 5 ft from road/curb or min 1 ft from right-of-way lineMin 5 ft from edge of road/curb or min 1 ft from R.O.W. on private propertyUnlockSec. 24-114(c)(1) (Ord. No. 429, § 2.01, 9-19-2022)
Political Sign (Other Districts)4 ft32 sq ftMin 5 ft from road/curb or min 1 ft from right-of-way lineMin 5 ft from edge of road/curb or min 1 ft from R.O.W. on private propertyUnlockSec. 24-114(c)(1) (Ord. No. 429, § 2.01, 9-19-2022)
Community Function/Special Event Sign32 sq ftAs per council-approved planUnlockSec. 24-114(c)(2) (Ord. No. 429, § 2.01, 9-19-2022)

Residential Districts

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Freestanding Sign (Multiple Family Complex ID Marker)5 ft32 sq ft (including sign and supports)1On-site at apartment complex or manufactured home communityUnlockSec. 24-115(d)(1)
Mailbox Sign / Street Number SignMust not extend more than 9 in above mailbox or 1 ft belowEquivalent to mailbox length1 per mailboxAttached to mailboxUnlockSec. 24-115(d)(2)
Construction Sign (Subdivision Entrance)6 ft32 sq ftNot within 20 ft of public pavement or curb2Up to two signs at primary subdivision entrance, on-siteUnlockSec. 24-115(e)(1)a
Construction Sign (Home Sites in New Subdivisions)3 ft2 sq ft per signNot closer than 15 ft to pavement/curb6 per lotOn-site at each lotUnlockSec. 24-115(e)(1)b
Repair Sign (Residential)3 ft3 sq ftMin 5 ft from edge of pavement/curb1 per lotOn-site per lotUnlockSec. 24-115(e)(2)
Real Estate Sign (Residential)3 ft4 sq ftMin 5 ft from edge of pavement/curb1 (interior), 2 (corner)On property for sale/rentUnlockSec. 24-115(e)(3)
Yard Sale Sign (On-premise)3 ft4 sq ft1Yard of premises where sale is being heldUnlockSec. 24-115(e)(4)
Freestanding Sign (Subdivision Identification Marker)4 ft80 sq ft total, signage max 36 sq ft1 double-face or 2 single-faceAt subdivisionUnlockSec. 24-115(e)(5)

Business and Commercial Districts, B-1, B-2

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign (One Entrance)20 ft or not above parapet, whichever is less1 per use/tenantOn building wall with primary entranceUnlockSec. 24-116(b)(1),(4),(5)
Wall Sign - Option Additional (Multiple Frontages)20 ft or not above parapet, whichever is less1 additional (if eligible)On secondary building faceUnlockSec. 24-116(b)(2)
Freestanding Monument or Ground-Mounted Sign (Primary)20 ft max; see setback/height table250 sq ft maximum10 ft for up to 10 ft high; 10 ft plus 1 ft/additional foot above 10 ft in height1 per developmentOn site, not in sight triangles, complying with setbacksUnlockSec. 24-116(c)(2),(4),(5),(7)
Freestanding Monument or Ground-Mounted Sign (Secondary Sign, Through Lot)20 ft max; subject to setback/height rules20 sq ft if within 75 ft of residential, otherwise 50 sq ft1 per through frontage eligibleSecond frontage of through lot, in landscaped area of ≥50 sq ftUnlockSec. 24-116(c)(3)
Freestanding Pole Sign20 ft max; setback/height as monument typeSame as monument/ground-mount1 per developmentOn siteUnlockSec. 24-116(c)(2),(4),(5)
Repair Sign (Commercial Business)6 ft12 sq ftMin 15 ft from edge of curb/pavement/right-of-way1 per lot/buildingOn-site per lot/buildingUnlockSec. 24-116(d)(1)b
Real Estate Sign (Commercial)6 ft16 sq ftMin 15 ft from edge of curb/pavement/right-of-way1 or 2On property for sale or leaseUnlockSec. 24-116(d)(2)b
Temporary Sign (Other Temporary)10 ft (if not attached to building)32 sq ftMin 15 ft from edge of curb/pavement/right-of-way (if freestanding)On property for max 10 consecutive days per monthUnlockSec. 24-116(d)(3)b

PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in New Hope — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in New Hope

  • Any sign that emulates traffic signs by using words such as 'stop' or 'caution' and emulates the shape and/or color in a manner to copy or imitate a traffic control sign.
  • Any sign or sign structure placed in any public right-of-way including sidewalks or on any public land except informational and directional signs placed by an appropriate public entity or at the direction of the city.
  • Signs that flash (brief, sudden bursts of bright light), or are animated to change physical position by movement or rotation, except for date, time, temperature and electronic bulletin board type signs.
  • Signs that emit any detectable smoke, vapor, odor, particles or that include any lighting or control mechanism that interfere with radio, television or electronic means of communication.
  • Any sign painted on or attached to an object and placed less than five feet from the edge of the pavement or placed on a public right-of-way or public land for the purpose of advertising.
  • No banners, pennants, streamers or other types of temporary signs shall be hung over, or placed within, the public rights-of-way.
  • Signs attached to or painted on trees, fences, fire escapes, elevated water storage tanks (stand pipes), utility poles, or traffic sign standards.
  • Signs painted on a sloping roof or wall of a building unless specifically approved by the zoning officer or designee, and is consistent with limitations of special provisions of the zoning district.
  • Tethered inflatable signs of all types.
  • Roof signs.
  • Portable signs in any zoning district.
  • Billboards in any zoning district except in the area located at the southern most point of the New Hope city limits located on US Hwy 431. This district extends north for a distance of 4,000 feet and pertains to all property located on the western side of US Hwy 431.
  • Signs that emit any noise, music or other sounds.
  • Signs that cast light beams in the direction of oncoming motorists.
  • Signs that block, impede or obstruct the view of motorists.

Exempt Signs in New Hope

  • Any sign not exceeding two square feet in area and bearing only property numbers, names of occupants, or business and professional signs not exceeding two square feet in area.
  • Temporary real estate signs, such as 'For Sale' or 'For Rent' signs, not exceeding four square feet in area and non-illuminated may be placed on the premises.
  • Directional or informational signs of a public or quasi-public nature, not exceeding eight square feet in area, such as a community's name, place of worship, meeting place of civic body, or event of public interest. Signs identifying public telephones, trash receptacles, first aid facilities, and shopping cart corrals are considered directional signs.
  • Signs for churches or public buildings to include bulletin boards, lighted or unlighted, not exceeding 32 square feet in area.
  • Temporary signs advertising agricultural products for sale, which were produced on the premises, may not exceed ten square feet in area.
  • Legal notices, identification, informational or direction signs required by governmental bodies.
  • Signs directing and guiding traffic to parking areas on private property but bearing no advertising matter.
  • Other outdoor advertising devices including but not limited to plaques, banners, pennants, streamers, or posters, are permitted for a period of not more than two weeks after the opening of a new business.
  • Any on-site business identification sign in a B-1, B-2, or M-1 district, not exceeding 32 square feet in area.
  • Flags and insignias of governmental, religious, charitable or fraternal organizations with an area of less than 50 square feet and mounted on a single pole.
  • Decorative flags and bunting as authorized by the council for town-wide celebrations, commemorations or conventions.
  • Memorial signs, tablets or cornerstones, names of buildings and dates of erection when included as an integral part of the building and constructed of bronze or other durable material or cut into masonry surfaces.
  • One monument identification sign, with bulletin/reader board, per site for public, educational, charitable and religious buildings that shall be located on-site, the combined area of which is not to exceed 32 square feet in area or five feet in height and be located a minimum of ten feet from the right-of-way.
  • Temporary holiday lights, displays and decorations during customary holiday periods.
  • Decorative flags not to exceed 15 square feet in area in residential districts.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for New Hope

  • Prior to requesting approval by the council for community function or special event temporary signs, the sponsor of the event shall meet with a designated representative of the office of the zoning official and develop a plan for locating the signs and preparing a description of the signs. Special event signs must be placed or erected in conformance with the plan approved by the council or their designated representative.
  • A written application for a sign permit shall be made to the city clerk and must be supplemented by a location map, site map, and a complete description of materials and the structural details of the sign.

Source: municode municipal code