Sign Regulations in Southside, Alabama
Southside, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 7 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include General Signage, Canopy Sign, Freestanding Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: March 31, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Southside, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Southside
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canopy Sign | 2 feet | 12 square feet per single canopy face | — |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 feet in residential zones, 25 feet in other zones | 30 to 80 square feet depending on building size | Not less than 50 feet from another freestanding sign on the same side of the street or 100 feet from another freestanding sign on the same property |
| Hanging and Projecting Sign | 6 feet | 12 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
7
- General Signage
- Canopy Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Hanging and Projecting 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 Southside
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
In Southside, monument signs are limited to 12 feet in residential zones, 25 feet in other zones. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Southside, 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 Southside, regulated sign types include General Signage, Canopy Sign, Freestanding Sign, Hanging and Projecting Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Southside, monument signs typically require a Not less than 50 feet from another freestanding sign on the same side of the street or 100 feet from another freestanding sign on the same property setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Southside are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Southside has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Southside, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Southside, Alabama regulates 7 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 12 feet in residential zones, 25 feet in other zones tall, 30 to 80 square feet depending on building size, and 10 feet wide, with a Not less than 50 feet from another freestanding sign on the same side of the street or 100 feet from another freestanding sign on the same property setback (Sec. Sec. 30-81(h)(2)). Most commercial signs in Southside require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Southside, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Southside (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 12 feet in residential zones, 25 feet in other zones | 30 to 80 square feet depending on building size | — |
| Residential zoning districts (AG, RT, R-1, R-2, R-3, MHP) | 2 | 15 feet | 20 square feet | — |
| VC Village Center district | 1 | — | 12 square feet for multifamily residential buildings or complexes, public use, or churches; 50 square feet for nonresidential buildings; 80 square feet for commercial centers or complexes with five or more businesses | — |
| B-1 Neighborhood Business district | 1 | — | 60 square feet of cumulative total sign area | — |
| B-2 Highway Commercial district | 1 | — | 100 square feet of cumulative total sign area | — |
| M-1 Light Manufacturing district | 1 | — | 80 square feet of cumulative total sign area | — |
| FHA Flood Hazard Area zone | 1 | — | Determined by underlying zoning district requirements | — |
| PD Planned Development zone | 1 | — | Determined by underlying zoning district requirements | — |
| RSC Regional Shopping Center zone | 1 | — | Determined by underlying zoning district requirements | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Southside(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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canopy Sign | 2 feet | 12 square feet per single canopy face | 6 feet | — | — | Vertical faces of any canopy, awning, or marquee located directly above a building entranceway | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-81(h)(1) |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 feet in residential zones, 25 feet in other zones | 30 to 80 square feet depending on building size | 10 feet | Not less than 50 feet from another freestanding sign on the same side of the street or 100 feet from another freestanding sign on the same property | Not more than one freestanding sign per lot of record | As close as possible to the main traffic access to the property | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-81(h)(2) |
| Hanging and Projecting Sign | 6 feet | 12 square feet | 2 feet | — | Not more than one hanging or projecting sign per building wall with an exterior entrance | As close as possible to exterior building entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-81(h)(3) |
| Wall Sign | 4 feet | 24 square feet per individual wall sign | 6 feet | — | — | Affixed flush to the wall, not extending above the roofline or beyond the edges of the wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-81(h)(4) |
Residential zoning districts (AG, RT, R-1, R-2, R-3, MHP)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Ground Sign | 5 feet | 12 square feet | — | — | One sign per principal entrance | Principal entrances to residential subdivision developments | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-81(i)(1) |
| Freestanding or Wall Sign | 15 feet | 20 square feet | — | — | Not more than one sign | Public and semi-public uses within residential zones | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-81(i)(6) |
VC Village Center district
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Signage | — | 12 square feet for multifamily residential buildings or complexes, public use, or churches; 50 square feet for nonresidential buildings; 80 square feet for commercial centers or complexes with five or more businesses | — | — | — | On individual lots or commercial centers | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-81(j)(1) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Southside — 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 Southside — start freeProhibited Signs in Southside
- Any sign or advertising structure which, by reason of location, position, shape, or color, interferes with, obstructs the view of, resembles, or can be confused with an authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device, or which incorporates the words 'stop,' 'look,' 'danger,' 'turn back,' or any other word, phrase, or symbol or character that would interfere with, mislead, or confuse motorists.
- Any sign incorporating any noisy mechanical device (whistles, horns, sirens, or any other noisy audible devices) or emitting smoke or steam.
- Any sign of any type or support thereof placed, extending, or projecting into or upon a public right-of-way, except as expressly authorized.
- Animated or revolving signs.
- Any sign located so that it substantially interferes with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or to enter onto or exit from public streets or private drives.
- Any sign with illegal, obscene, or prurient words, scenes, or graphics.
- Any sign that blocks another sign, fire escape, door, window, parking or loading aisle or space.
- Any sign that is damaged or not in a structurally safe condition and good state of repair.
- Roof signs.
- Snipe signs.
- Portable signs.
- Beacons or searchlights.
- Flashing signs.
- Banners, unless approved by the mayor or city council for a grand opening or a city-wide celebration, convention, or legal holiday.
- Billboards.
- Balloon signs.
Exempt Signs in Southside
- Historic markers.
- Traffic control signs.
- Directional signs.
- Flags.
- Artistic displays.
- Real estate or rental signs.
- Construction site identification sign.
- Window signs.
- Political signs.
- Garage or yard sale sign.
- Special event sign and decorations.
- Entrance/exit signs.
- Farm information sign.
- Vehicle signs.
- Building nameplates.
- Legal notices and official instruments.
- Residential family name and/or house number signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Southside
- Except where this chapter explicitly exempts a sign, all signs erected shall require a zoning permit issued by the enforcement officer.
- No zoning permit shall be required for routine maintenance or painting of a permitted or preexisting, nonconforming sign, provided that such maintenance or painting activities do not alter the original format or appearance of the sign or result in any increase in the existing sign area or height of the sign.
Source: municode municipal code