Sign Regulations in Valley, Alabama
Valley, Alabama has specific sign regulations covering 34 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include On-site Sale or Lease Sign, Development and Construction Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District), Changeable Sign (Electrically or Manually Activated). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Valley, Alabama
Sample Sign Requirements in Valley
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-site Sale or Lease Sign | 7 ft | 16 sq ft | No sign shall be placed closer than 15 feet to the nearest travel lane of a street. No sign within 2 feet of right-of-way lines. |
| On-site Identification Sign (Park, School, Authorized Use) | 7 ft | 20 sq ft | No sign shall be placed closer than 15 feet to the nearest travel lane of a street. No sign within 2 feet of right-of-way lines. |
| On-site Farm Product Sign | 7 ft | 12 sq ft | No sign shall be placed closer than 15 feet to the nearest travel lane of a street. No sign within 2 feet of right-of-way lines. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
34
- On-site Sale or Lease Sign
- Development and Construction Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District)
- Changeable Sign (Electrically or Manually Activated)
- On-site Identification Sign (Park, School, Authorized Use)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Valley
Other Cities in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Valley 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 Valley, 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 Valley, regulated sign types include On-site Sale or Lease Sign, Development and Construction Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District), Changeable Sign (Electrically or Manually Activated), On-site Identification Sign (Park, School, Authorized Use), 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 Valley 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 Valley are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Valley has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Valley, Alabama Sign Rules at a Glance
Valley, Alabama regulates 34 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Wall Sign/Free-standing Sign (Primary Option)s in the Commercial District, Office District, Industrial District zoning district are capped at 35 ft tall and 200 sq ft, with a no closer to front, side, or rear property line than half the required building setback. No closer than 15 feet to travel lane and not within 2 feet of right-of-way lines. setback (Sec. Sec. 56-18(1), (2); Sec. 56-5; Sec. 56-25). Most commercial signs in Valley require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Valley, Alabama
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Valley (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry-Agriculture-Recreation District, Forest, Agriculture and Recreation District | 3 | 7 ft | 20 sq ft | — |
| Residential District | 9 | 7 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District, Office District, Industrial District | 13 | 35 ft | Up to 300 sq ft (if base is 200 sq ft) | — |
| Institutional Zone | 2 | — | — | — |
| Nonresidential Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 30 in | 32 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Valley(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-site Sale or Lease Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | No sign shall be placed closer than 15 feet to the nearest travel lane of a street. No sign within 2 feet of right-of-way lines. | 1 | On any one lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-17(1); Sec. 56-5; Sec. 56-25 |
| On-site Home Occupation Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | No sign shall be placed closer than 15 feet to nearest travel lane. No sign within 2 feet of right-of-way lines. | 1 | On any one lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-17(2); Sec. 56-5; Sec. 56-25 |
| On-site Multi-family/Development/Manufactured Home Park Identification Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | No sign shall be placed closer than 15 feet to nearest travel lane. No sign within 2 feet of right-of-way lines. | 1 | On any one lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-17(3); Sec. 56-5; Sec. 56-25 |
| On-site School, Church, Public Building, Authorized Use Identification Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | No sign shall be placed closer than 15 feet to nearest travel lane. No sign within 2 feet of right-of-way lines. | 1 | On any one lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-17(4); Sec. 56-5; Sec. 56-25 |
| Special Promotion/Event/Grand Opening Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front | One per street front | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-11 |
| Development and Construction Sign (Residential Lot) | 7 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Single residential lot or entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-21(1) |
| Development and Construction Sign (Multiple Residential Lots/Subdivision) | 7 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance / lot | Each entrance or one lot to be built upon | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-21(2) |
| Development and Construction Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District) | 7 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 | One sign per use | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-21(3) |
Commercial District, Office District, Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign/Free-standing Sign (Primary Option) | 35 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Free-standing signs: no closer to front, side, or rear property line than half the required building setback. No closer than 15 feet to travel lane and not within 2 feet of right-of-way lines. | 1 wall and/or 1 free-standing sign per lot | Affixed flat against building and/or free-standing on site (one per lot) | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-18(1), (2); Sec. 56-5; Sec. 56-25 |
| Wall Sign (C-2, C-3 Distance Bonus - 100-200 ft from ROW) | 35 ft | Up to 240 sq ft (if base is 200 sq ft) | — | — | — | Affixed flat against building | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-18(3) |
| Wall Sign (C-2, C-3 Distance Bonus - 200-300 ft from ROW) | 35 ft | Up to 260 sq ft (if base is 200 sq ft) | — | — | — | Affixed flat against building | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-18(3) |
| Wall Sign (C-2, C-3 Distance Bonus - 300-400 ft from ROW) | 35 ft | Up to 280 sq ft (if base is 200 sq ft) | — | — | — | Affixed flat against building | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-18(3) |
| Wall Sign (C-2, C-3 Distance Bonus - More than 400 ft from ROW) | 35 ft | Up to 300 sq ft (if base is 200 sq ft) | — | — | — | Affixed flat against building | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-18(3) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Shopping Centers/Integrated Buildings) | — | 200 sq ft | — | No closer to front, side or rear property line than 1/2 the required building setback. | 1 per center/group | One per center/group (for shopping centers or integrated group of stores/businesses) | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-18(4) |
| Development and Construction Sign (Parcel ≤ 5 acres) | 7 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front | One per street front | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-21(4) |
| Development and Construction Sign (Parcel > 5 acres) | 7 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front | One per street front | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-21(4) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (Single Residential Lot) | 4 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On a single residential lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-20(1) |
| Real Estate Sign (Subdivision Entrance) | 7 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | At each entrance to the subdivision | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-20(2) |
| Real Estate Sign (Sale/Lease - Commercial/Industrial Building Space) | 7 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front | One per street front | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-20(3) |
| Real Estate Sign (Sale/Lease - Vacant Commercial/Industrial Land) | 7 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front | One per street front | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-20(4) |
| Real Estate Directional Sign | 30 in | 2 sq ft | — | — | 2 per property event | City rights-of-way at street intersections (to direct to property for sale/lease) | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-20(6) |
| Development and Construction Sign (Single Residential Lot) | 7 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On residential lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-21(1) |
| Development and Construction Sign (Subdivision/Multiple Residential Lots) | 7 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance/lot | At entrance or lot to be built upon | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-21(2) |
| Development and Construction Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District) | 7 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 | One per use | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-21(3) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Valley — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Valley — start freeProhibited Signs in Valley
- Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
- Except as provided for elsewhere in this code, signs encroaching upon or overhanging public right-of-way. No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, light standard, street tree or any other public facility located within the public right-of-way.
- Signs which blink, flash or are animated by lighting in any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights, or municipal vehicle warnings from a distance.
- Portable signs except as allowed for temporary signs.
- Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property, except for signs meeting specified conditions regarding primary vehicle use, sign type, and operating condition.
- Vehicles and trailers used primarily as static displays, advertising a product or service, utilized as storage, shelter or distribution points for commercial products or services for the general public.
- Balloons, streamers or pinwheels except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion or community event. Such temporary display is limited to no more than 20 days in any calendar year.
- No sign or sign structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where by its position, size, shape, color, movement, flashing or illumination may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
- No sign other than an official traffic sign or similar sign shall be erected within two feet of the lines of any street right-of-way, or within any public right-of-way, unless specifically authorized by this chapter or other ordinances and regulations of the City.
- No sign, balloon, banner or other device to be attached to any tree, pole, post or marker or placed on any public right-of-way or public property.
- Regardless of right-of-way, no sign shall be placed closer than 15 feet to the nearest travel lane of a street.
- It shall be unlawful to erect, permit the erection of, display or permit the display of any sign in a residential district unless such sign is permitted within the regulations of a home occupation.
- No new billboard structures shall be permitted in any zoning district.
- Portable signs are not permitted in any district.
- It is unlawful to place, erect or maintain political signs earlier than 60 days prior to the official election date. Said signs must be removed within seven days after the official election date.
- It is unlawful to place signs, markers and advertising on the rights of way of state controlled highways except those official signs or markers placed by the State Department of Transportation or under its authority.
- It is unlawful to erect or display political signs on any property owned or controlled by the city, including public rights-of-way, trees, light poles, sidewalks, streets, benches, fire hydrants, public parks or playgrounds and City Hall.
Exempt Signs in Valley
- Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety official.
- Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal, state or municipal governments.
- Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure.
- The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a school.
- Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season.
- Works of fine art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise where the enterprise does not receive direct commercial gain.
- Street address signs and combination nameplate and street address signs that contain no advertising copy and which do not exceed six square feet in area.
- Political signs on private property.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Valley
- A permit application for a sign must include two sets of drawings or specifications as necessary to advise the permitting authority of the location, construction, materials, method of illumination, securing or fastening, number of signs, and wording for sign face area calculation.
- Before issuance of a permit for a sign or sign structure, construction documents showing dimensions, materials, construction details, loads, stresses, anchorage, and other pertinent information must be filed with the code official.
- Permit application must be accompanied by written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises and by engineering calculations signed and sealed by a registered design professional where required by the International Building Code.
- No mention found of 'master sign plan,' 'sign plan,' or required variance meetings for general sign approval in this chapter. Sign permit process applies generally.
Source: municode municipal code