Article 8 Sign Compliance

Provide guidelines for orderly and harmonious display of signs;

Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the City of Albertville;

Maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the City's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth;

Improve pedestrian and traffic safety;

Avoid the erection of displays which produce deleterious and injurious effects to adjacent properties and to the natural beauty of the environment; and

EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN

Promote the mental and physical health, safety and welfare of the public.

8-1-2.

The provisions of this article are intended to be an exercise of the City's police powers to promote and protect the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity, and general welfare (collectively "public welfare"), within the framework of constitutional freedoms of speech and expression, as protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 4 of the Alabama Constitution (Ala. Const. Art. I, § 4). All regulations in this article are to be construed, whenever possible, in favor of vigorous political debate and accommodation of the rights of persons to speak freely.

§ 8-2 Sign compliance.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

8-2-1.

No premises within the City shall be used to construct, erect, post, repost, place, hang, paint, repaint, or maintain a sign that does not meet the requirements of this article, and it shall be unlawful for any person to use premises in the City to construct, erect, post, repost, place, hang, paint, repaint, or maintain a sign that is not in conformity with the requirements of this article.

8-2-2.

This article is not intended to regulate signs inside buildings. Unless otherwise stated, this article shall apply to any sign, in any zoning district, that is visible from a public right-of-way or from an adjacent property.

§ 8-3 Coverage.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

8-3-1.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to affect the franchise authority of the City.

8-3-2.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to allow or give permission to any person to install a sign on private property without the consent of the owner of the property or the person otherwise in possession or control of the property. Where a sign has been placed on premises without proper consent, the sign shall constitute a trespass.

8-3-3.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to exempt from or except the application of the building and other technical codes of the City to the installation of signs.

§ 8-4 Administration and enforcement.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

The Building Inspector, or any other official designated by the Mayor, shall be charged with the administration and enforcement of this article. They shall have the right to enter upon any premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of making inspections necessary to carry out prescribed duties in this article.

§ 8-5 Vertical clearance.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

8-5-1.

The lowest member of all signs that are supported or suspended from a building shall have a clearance of not less than 10 feet between the finished grade of a sidewalk or other pedestrian way and the bottom-most portion of the sign.

8-5-2.

If a sign is located over a pavement used for vehicular traffic or within 18 inches of the vertical projection of the edges of such pavement, the lowest member of the sign shall not be less than 15 feet above the finished pavement.

§ 8-6 Definitions.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

The following sign terms, when used in this article, shall have the meanings defined by this section. Terms not defined in this section but defined in the Zoning Ordinance or Subdivision Regulations of the City shall be given the meanings set forth in such ordinance or regulations.[1] All other terms used in this article shall be given their common, ordinary meaning, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

ABANDONED SIGN

A frame, framework or post that no longer includes signage or is in a state of continuous disrepair and no effort is being made to return it to its intended purpose.

ATTACHED SIGN

Any sign that is directly attached to a building or that is attached to a nonstructural element, such as an awning or canopy, which is affixed to the building. For the purposes of this article, attached signs include wall signs, awning signs, marquee signs, canopy signs, and projecting signs.

AWNING

A shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building, constructed of non-rigid materials on a supporting framework. See alternatively the definition of "canopy."

AWNING SIGN

A permanent, attached sign that is painted on, applied to, or otherwise is a part of a fabric or other nonstructural awning, of which said awning is affixed to a structure. An awning sign is considered an attached sign.

BANNER

A flexible substrate of fabric, plastic, paper, or other light, pliable material on which copy or graphics may be displayed. A banner is one type of temporary sign. This can include pennants, panels, or other similar signs. A banner may also be referred to as a "banner sign."

BILLBOARD

An off-premises freestanding sign owned by a person, corporation or other entity that engages in the business of selling or donating the display space on that sign.

BUILDING FRONTAGE

The width of a building measured at the two outermost limits of the plane or elevation. In the case of attached units with separate exterior entrances, building frontage shall be apportioned to each unit.

BUILDING UNIT

A stand-alone building or a building divided into separate units or spaces that are individually owned or leased by different enterprises, businesses, firms, or people, subject to the provisions of § 8-7-4.

CANOPY

A permanent structure made of cloth, metal, or other material attached or unattached to a building for the purpose of providing shelter to patrons or automobiles, or as a decorative feature on a building wall. A canopy is not a completely enclosed structure but typically is supported by features other than the building facade (e.g., structural legs, building extensions, etc.). See also the definition of "awning."

CANOPY SIGN

A sign that is attached or made an integral part of a canopy. For the purposes of this chapter, a canopy sign falls under the regulations of attached signs.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN

A sign designed so that the sign copy can be changed or rearranged manually or electronically (electronic message sign, digital sign, etc.), without altering the sign display surface. May also be known as readerboards.

DRIVEWAY SIGN

A small permanent sign that is located near driveway access points and/or at the intersection of internal access drives.

ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL

Any official of the City designated by the Mayor as the Code Enforcement Official which is to include the Building Inspector for the City or any police officer of the City, or any other person designated to enforce the provisions of this article by the Mayor. The Building Inspector shall be responsible for issuing any permits related to this article.

ERECT

To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, paint, enlarge, alter or affix a sign (except the alteration of a message on a changeable copy sign).

A sign where the source of the illumination is reflected off the surface of the sign from an external artificial lighting source.

FACADE

The exterior wall on the front, side, or rear elevation of the building, regardless of whether the building side faces a street.

FREESTANDING SIGN

Any sign affixed to or supported upon the ground by a monument, pedestal, pole, bracing, or other permanent structural element and not attached to any building. See definitions of "monument sign," "pole sign," and "post and arm sign."

ILLUMINATED SIGN

A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or inside the sign face or by lights directed towards the sign. Illuminated sign. A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting which is further distinguishable as follows:

INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN

A sign where the source of the illumination is inside the sign and artificial light emanates through the message of the sign, including illuminated neon and exposed bulbs.

MONUMENT SIGN

A permanent freestanding sign, not attached to a building, that is placed upon or supported by the ground independently of any other structure. A monument sign, unlike a pole sign or post and arm sign, is placed on a monument or pedestal structure constructed of finished material such as brick, stone, or wood. Monument signs shall have a landscaped area of no less than twice the square footage of the monument ground sign.

NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGE

Any sign, wording, logo or other representation that does not, either directly or indirectly, name, advertise or call attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity. This type of speech includes, but is not limited to, political messages, personal messages or opinions, art, religious messages, etc.

NONCONFORMING SIGN

Any sign that was erected legally prior to the adoption of this ordinance, or amendment thereto, but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations, or a sign which does not conform to the regulations of this chapter.

OFF-PREMISES SIGN

A permanent sign which directs attention to or conveys information about a business, profession, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other activity that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained or provided at a location other than on the premises where the sign is located.

ON-PREMISES SIGN

A permanent sign which directs attention to or conveys information about a business, profession, service, merchandise, accommodation, attraction or other activity that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained or provided on nonresidential premises where the sign is located. It may also communicate noncommercial messages.

PERMANENT SIGN

A sign permitted by this ordinance to be located on the premises and designed to be permanently attached to a structure or the ground. Such signs are typically constructed of rigid, non-flexible materials or may be constructed of durable fabric or similar materials if intended to be attached to a permanent structure (e.g., an awning sign made of fabric) and which is not specifically defined as a temporary sign.

PORTABLE SIGN

Any sign not attached to a building or the ground that is designed to be movable or relocatable, or signs designed so they can be transported utilizing wheels or other means. This definition shall not include a sidewalk sign or other defined temporary sign types.

PROJECTING SIGN

A permanent sign that is affixed perpendicular to a building or wall and extends more than 12 inches beyond the face of such building or wall.

ROOF SIGN

A permanent on-premises sign affixed to the roof of a building or extending above the roofline.

SIDEWALK SIGN

A temporary sign that may be placed on a private sidewalk/walkway during business hours in accordance with this chapter, and which may include an "A-frame sign" or a "T-frame sign" as defined below:

•	A-FRAME SIGN – Means a detached temporary sign that is ordinarily in the shape of an "A" or some variation thereof, which is readily movable, and is not permanently attached to the ground or any structure.
•	T-FRAME SIGN – Means a detached temporary sign that is ordinarily in the shape of an upside-down "T" or some variation thereof, which is readily movable, and is not permanently attached to the ground or any structure.

SIGN

Any object, device, display or structure or part thereof situated outdoors or adjacent to the interior of a window or doorway which is used to advertise, identify, display, or direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means including words, letters, pictures, logos, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.

SIGN AREA

The entire display area of a sign that includes the message and sign copy surface located on one or more sign faces and any framing, trim, and molding, but not including the supporting structure as measured pursuant to § 8-7-3.

SIGN COPY

Those letters, numerals, and figures, symbols, logos, and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign.

SIGN FACE

The surface of the sign upon, against, or through which the message of the sign is exhibited.

SIGN HEIGHT

The vertical distance of a sign, from top to bottom, as measured in accordance with § 8-7-2.

SIGN HEIGHT

The average distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign.

SIGN, ADVERTISING

A sign which advertises goods, services, facilities, events or attractions available on or off the premises where located.

SIGN, IDENTIFICATION

An identification sign is one which depicts only the name and/or address of a building or establishment as a means of identifying the building or establishment.

TEMPORARY FREESTANDING SIGN

Any temporary sign placed on the ground or attached to a supporting structure, posts, or poles that are not attached to any building.

TEMPORARY SIGN

A sign that is neither permanently anchored to the ground, nor permanently affixed to a structure, nor mounted on a chassis, and/or is intended for a limited period of display. See definitions for "banner," "temporary freestanding sign," and "sidewalk sign."

VEHICLE SIGN

Any sign attached to a vehicle or trailer that is used in the normal day-to-day operation of the business.

WALL SIGN

A permanent sign attached directly to an exterior wall of a building and which does not extend more than a certain distance from the facade, as established in this article, nor above the roofline or beyond the limits of the outside wall. The exposed face of the sign is on a plane parallel to the building wall.

WINDOW SIGN

A sign painted on or attached to a window or the glass paneling of any door or opening. A window sign shall include any sign that is installed inside a building within three feet of the window.

[1]

Editor's Note: For Zoning Ordinance definitions see § 14-3.

§ 8-7 Measurements and calculations.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

8-7-1.

Sign setback. All required setbacks for signs shall be measured as the distance in feet from the lot line or right-of-way, whichever is applicable, to the closest point on the sign structure.

8-7-2.

Sign height.

The height of a sign shall be measured from the base of the sign at normal grade (average grade at the base of the sign) to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely undertaken for the purpose of locating or increasing the height of the sign.

The filling of a hole, depression, or other low area to create an average grade the same level as that surrounding the hole, depression, or lower grade is permitted, provided such filling is allowed by other ordinances.

In cases where the normal grade is below grade at street level, sign height shall be measured from the elevation of the adjacent roadway crown. See Figure 8-A.

Figure 8-A: Illustration of the measurement of sign height when the grade at the bottom of the sign is below the grade of the adjacent street.

8-7-3.

Sign area. The surface of a sign to be included when computing the maximum allowable square footage of sign area shall be calculated as established in this section.

For sign copy mounted or painted on a background panel, cabinet, or surface distinctively painted, textured, lighted, or constructed to serve as the background for the sign copy, the sign area shall be the entire area within the largest single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of a sign face, but not passing through or between any element of the sign. See Figure 8-B and Figure 8-C.

Figure 8-B: Illustration of sign area calculation for a ground sign with a copy on a distinct, rectangular cabinet. The brick structural support is not included in the sign area calculation.

Figure 8-C: Illustration of computing the sign area for wall signs with a background panel or cabinet.

For sign copy where individual letters or elements are mounted on a building facade where there is no background panel, cabinet, or surface distinctively painted, textured, lighted, or constructed to serve as the background for the sign copy, the sign area shall be computed by means of the entire area within the largest single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the sign copy, but not passing through or between any element of the sign. See Figure 8-D.

Figure 8-D: Illustration of sign area calculation for two differently shaped wall signs with individual letters.

In cases where there are multiple elements of sign copy on the same surface, any areas of sign copy that are within two feet of one another shall be calculated as a single sign area that shall be computed by means of the smallest permitted shape that encloses all sign copy within two feet of one another, otherwise the sign area shall be computed for each separate piece of sign copy. See Figure 8-E.

Figure 8-E: Illustration of sign area calculations for multiple sign areas on a window sign.

Decorative edging or other window treatments that are not an integral part of the sign copy shall not be considered a part of the sign for the purposes of this article. See Figure 8-E.

The calculation of sign area shall not include any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall unless such structural support is determined to constitute an integral part of the sign design by means of any form of sign copy, as determined by the Enforcement Official. See Figure 8-B.

When two flat sign faces are placed back to back and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 24 inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces. If the two faces are unequal, the sign area shall be calculated based on the larger of the two faces.

For three-dimensional signs or signs with more than two faces, the sign area shall be calculated by the largest total sign area visible from any direction.

8-7-4.

Building unit types. Where signage is assigned by building units, such term shall be individually defined as follows:

A stand-alone, nonresidential building that contains one tenant or occupant shall be considered a single building unit.

Where a building is divided into individual spaces for nonresidential uses, and the primary entrance or access point for each space is from outside of the building, then each individual space shall be considered a building unit. For example, in the case of a shopping center or strip mall with multiple tenant spaces that each have a separate exterior entrance, each of the tenant spaces shall be considered a building unit.

Where a building contains individual spaces that are all accessed from the interior through a joint entry, such building shall be considered one building unit. For example, in the case of an office building where all of the office spaces are accessed internally, the entire office building shall be considered one building unit. Similarly, where apartments are located above nonresidential uses, the apartments as a whole shall be considered one building unit.

The term "building unit" shall not be used to define an apartment building or similar residential-only building that is divided into individual dwelling units.

Where a lot contains multiple principal buildings, each principal building shall be considered a building unit based on the above provisions.

For mixed-use buildings that contain residential and nonresidential uses, or for multi-story buildings with separate uses on the upper floors, the number of building units on any given lot shall be determined by the number of nonresidential enterprises, businesses, firms, or other nonresidential occupants where the spaces are accessed from the exterior of the building on the ground floor. All upper-floor uses and activities shall be considered one building unit, regardless of the number of occupants. For example, a building with three tenant spaces on the first floor, with exterior entrances, and apartments or office spaces on the upper floors shall be considered to have four building units, one building unit for each of the three ground-floor tenants and one building unit total for all upper-level tenants. See Figure 8-F.

Figure 8-F: The above image shows how the upper floors of buildings only represent one building unit each, regardless of the number of tenants in those spaces or whether occupied by residential or nonresidential uses. The first/ground floors have several building units based on the number of nonresidential businesses, tenants, etc., with the primary access from the exterior of the building.

§ 8-8 Prohibited signs.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

The following types of signs are specifically prohibited within the City of Albertville:

8-8-1.

Signs that employ any parts or elements that revolve, rotate, whirl, spin, or otherwise make use of motion to attract attention. This shall not include changeable copy signs, including digital/electronic signs as allowed in this article;

8-8-2.

Signs that interfere with, obstruct the view of, or are similar in appearance to any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device because of its position, shape, use of words, or color;

8-8-3.

Signs located in any public right-of-way, to include sidewalks, or attached to a public utility pole, or attached to any traffic type pole and will be subject to immediate confiscation by the authorized representative of the City;

8-8-4.

Portable signs with the exception of sidewalk signs, as allowed in § 8-13-3;

8-8-5.

Permanent freestanding signs on a vacant lot;

8-8-6.

Signs that obstruct or substantially interfere with any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress to any building;

8-8-7.

Signs which are not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure unless specifically permitted as a temporary sign;

8-8-8.

Illuminated signs are prohibited where the light source is not confined in or directed to the surface of the sign. No sign shall be erected or illuminated which displays intermittent light and/or light of such brightness that it constitutes hazardous conditions to motorists or simulates lights customarily associated with those used by police, fire, ambulance or other emergency vehicles. No blinking illuminated signs are allowed. All lighting must be directed or pointed to the sign;

8-8-9.

Signs attached to the building that project more than four feet above the roofline of a building;

8-8-10.

Non-professional hand-painted signs;

8-8-11.

Signs that emit audible sounds, odor or visible matter such as smoke or steam;

8-8-12.

Signs that involve the use of live animals;

8-8-13.

Signs that are applied to trees, bus shelters, utility poles, benches, trash receptacles, newspaper vending machines or boxes, or any other unapproved supporting structure, or otherwise placed in the public right-of-way except as otherwise specifically provided for in this article;

8-8-14.

Signs with support structure or poles that are unfinished or unprotected by an exterior finish and are not constructed with building materials that reflect the materials used in the building design and surrounding architecture;

8-8-15.

Signs should be maintained in a condition that is not unsafe, incomplete, declared a public nuisance, or a danger to the public, as determined by the Enforcement Official. In the event a sign is deemed unsafe, incomplete, declared a public nuisance, or becomes abandoned, the Building Inspector shall order the sign be replaced or removed within 30 days after proper notification to the person, firm or corporation owning or using the sign or advertising structure;

8-8-16.

Signs that are in violation of the building code or electrical code adopted by the City;

8-8-17.

Inflatable signs, tethered balloon signs, and objects used for signs that are animated by forced air;

8-8-18.

A vehicle, which includes a motor vehicle, boat, trailer or similar equipment, used as a support structure for a sign;

8-8-19.

Signs that are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of motorists, cyclists or pedestrians; and

8-8-20.

Any sign not specifically allowed by this article.

§ 8-9 Application for a sign permit.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

8-9-1.

No sign regulated by this article, except those listed in § 8-10, shall be erected without a sign permit obtained from the Building Inspector. Each application for a permit shall be accompanied by a fee according to the schedule of permit fees with plans showing the following:

Indicate the proposed site by identifying the property owner, location, present use, and zoning district;

Show location of the sign on the lot in relation to property lines and existing signs and structures as well as zoning district boundaries;

Show complete structural specifications including anchoring and support;

Any additional information needed to determine if such sign is to be erected in conformance with this ordinance; and

§ 8-10 Signs not requiring a sign permit.

Submit a graphic rendering of all proposed signage.

8-9-2.

A sign permit shall be valid for a period of 180 days after issuance. Failure to fully construct the sign within the allotted time period shall void the permit and necessitate reapplication including payment of applicable fees. Any sign erected after 180 days from the original issuance of the permit for which a new permit has not been issued for an additional 180 days shall be considered an illegal sign and be subject to removal.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

The following signs are subject to the requirements of this article, but do not require a sign permit or related fees. Exempt signs may still require permits, reviews, or approvals under the building code or other applicable codes:

8-10-1.

Temporary signs as regulated by § 8-11, except for sidewalk signs as allowed by § 8-13-3;

8-10-2.

Any signs located on umbrellas, seating, or similar patio furniture, provided they are located outside of the right-of-way;

8-10-3.

A single wall sign placed on the facade of an individual dwelling unit that is not illuminated and does not exceed two square feet in area;

8-10-4.

Changes of copy on signs with changeable copy, including digital/electronic signs;

8-10-5.

The exchanging of sign panels when a sign is designed to have replaceable sign faces;

8-10-6.

Signs not visible:

Signs that are an integral part of the original construction of vending or similar machines, fuel pumps, automated teller machines (ATMs), drive-through signage, or similar devices that are not to be visible from a public or private street;

Any sign that is located completely inside a building that is not visible from the exterior or that is not classified as a window sign;

Signs that are located within a stadium, open-air theater, park, arena, or other outdoor use that are not intended to be visible from a public right-of-way, private street, or adjacent property, and can be primarily viewed only by persons within such stadium, open-air theater, park, arena, or other outdoor use; and

Ground signs and markings located completely within the interior of a lot used for a cemetery where such signs are not designed to be visible from a public street;

8-10-7.

Government or public agency signs:

Signs and/or notices issued by any court, officer, or other person in performance of a public duty. Any such sign shall be removed no later than seven days after the last day it is required to be displayed;

Any warning signs or traffic safety signs required by public utility providers;

Any address numbers required by the City of Albertville, Marshall County, or the State of Alabama; and

Signs installed or required by a governmental agency, including the City of Albertville, Marshall County, the State of Alabama, or the United States, including local and regional transit agencies;

8-10-8.

Pennants, banners and fluttering signs. Pennants, banners or fluttering signs that are in use shall not be allowed to become an eyesore due to shredded, ragged, torn, faded, or worn material that is neglected for maintenance. This neglect of their appearance or the ropes, cords or cables that provide support such that the appearance may become unsuitable for the intended purpose may result in a removal order by the City; and

8-10-9.

Signs fixed or mounted directly on or over windows are permitted provided that such signs do not cover more than 20% of the total window area.

§ 8-11 Temporary signs.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

8-11-1.

Standards applicable to all temporary signs. Unless provided for otherwise, each of the following conditions shall apply to all temporary signs:

Temporary signs shall not be mounted, attached, affixed, installed, or otherwise secured in a manner that will make the sign a permanent sign.

Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

No temporary sign shall be installed that requires a foundation, support, wiring, fittings, or elements that would traditionally require a building permit or electrical permit.

Temporary signs shall not contain any changeable copy.

All temporary signs shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent swinging or other significantly noticeable movement resulting from the wind that could pose a danger to people, vehicles, or structures.

Mobile signs on wheels, runners, casters, parked trailers, parked vehicles, or other temporary or movable signs shall not be permitted unless otherwise specifically stated in this article.

Temporary signs shall be constructed of durable fabric, plastic, paper, or other light pliable material. Because of the nature of materials typically used to construct temporary signs and to avoid the unsightliness of deteriorating signs and all safety concerns which accompany such a condition, temporary signs shall be removed or replaced when such sign is a deteriorated sign.

(H)

Temporary signs shall be located outside the public right-of-way, which shall be presumed if the sign is located at least 10 feet from the back of curb or the edge of pavement if there is no curb.

(I)

No part of any temporary sign shall be erected closer than 10 feet to any overhead electric, cable, telephone or other transmission line nor closer than five feet to any property line.

(J)

Temporary signs may be located in a required yard provided that they do not create a visibility obstruction.

(K)

Temporary signs shall not be placed on utility poles, light poles, or other similar structures.

8-11-2.

Temporary freestanding signs.

The total combined sign area of all temporary freestanding signs on any lot shall not exceed 40 square feet. No individual temporary sign shall exceed 20 square feet in sign area.

On vacant lots that are five acres or larger, the total combined sign area may be increased to a total of 40 square feet of temporary sign area along each street frontage and no individual temporary sign shall exceed 40 square feet.

The maximum height of any sign shall be six feet.

8-11-3.

Temporary banner signs. Banner signs shall be allowed on any building unit that contains a nonresidential use:

For residential uses, each dwelling may have banner signs with a maximum total combined sign area of 12 square feet. Up to two banner signs are permitted at any one time.

For nonresidential uses, each building unit may have banner signs with a maximum total combined sign area of 32 square feet. Up to four banner signs are permitted at any one time.

§ 8-12 On-premises permanent signs for residential uses.

Banner signs shall be attached or fixed to the building at all corners, or to flags that are attached to posts, attached to the building.

8-11-4.

Temporary sign removal. A temporary sign shall be removed when the sign has deteriorated, as determined by the Enforcement Official.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

Permanent wall signs or permanent freestanding signs may be permitted for any subdivision or multifamily dwelling development that contains 10 or more dwelling units or lots, provided that the signs meet the following requirements:

8-12-1.

General standards.

For subdivisions or multifamily dwellings with fewer 10 to 25 dwelling units or lots, only one permanent wall sign or one permanent freestanding sign is permitted for the entire development in accordance with this section. The sign shall have a maximum sign area of 16 square feet.

For subdivisions or multifamily dwellings with 25 or more dwelling units or lots, a maximum of two permanent wall signs or one permanent freestanding sign is allowed at each entrance to the subdivision or development from a collector or arterial street, as determined by the Enforcement Official. No more than two freestanding signs shall be permitted for any subdivision or development.

The maximum sign area of each sign shall be 32 square feet.

The signage shall be an on-premises sign with the entire subdivision or lot counting as the premises.

If the sign is to be illuminated, it shall only be illuminated through an external light source.

Changeable copy signs that are digital or electronic are prohibited in residential zoning districts.

8-12-2.

Freestanding sign.

A freestanding sign may include a monument sign or a post and arm sign.

No such sign or any portion of the structure shall exceed six feet in height.

The freestanding sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way or adjacent lot lines.

The freestanding sign may be located on the center island of a boulevard entrance on a private street subject to the following additional standards:

Sign faces must be back to back (i.e., no sign faces at an angle to one another).

The sign shall be set back a minimum of three feet from the edge or curb of the boulevard or street island edge.

Sign placement must be approved by the appropriate review body during the platting process or sign permit process, whichever includes the details of the sign placement, to ensure safety and visibility at the sign location.

If an applicant proposes to use a freestanding sign, no wall signs, as allowed in § 8-12-3 below, shall be permitted.

8-12-3.

Wall signs on entry fences, walls, or features.

The signs shall be mounted to a decorative wall, fence, or architectural feature adjacent to the entrance street.

The placement of wall signs on architectural features shall only be permitted by the appropriate review body during the platting process or development plan review, whichever includes the details of the sign place, to ensure safety and visibility at the sign location. See Figure 8-G.

Figure 8-G: Example of an architectural feature at the entrance of a subdivision.

§ 8-13 On-premises permanent signs for nonresidential uses.

The signs sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way or adjacent lot lines. If an applicant proposes to use wall signs, no freestanding sign, as allowed in § 8-12-2 above, shall be permitted.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

The following on-premises permanent signs may be permitted on lots containing nonresidential uses, including buildings that are mixed-use with nonresidential and residential uses in the same building. These signs allowances shall also apply to any nonresidential use in a residential zoning district. All such signs shall comply with the following:

8-13-1.

On-premises permanent signs for nonresidential uses in all other zoning districts. For all other zoning districts (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, D-B-D, M-1, M-2, AG-1, AG-2, and AP), all permanent on-premises signs shall conform to the following provisions:

Attached signs.

Attached signs shall include any sign attached to the principal building, including, but not limited to, wall, canopy, awning, marquee, or projecting signs.

All attached signs shall be subject to the specific sign type standards in § 8-13-1(B).

The total amount of attached sign area allowed shall be equal to two square feet for each linear foot of facade width of an individual building unit. Attached signage is permitted on any facade; however, the amount of attached signage allowed on any individual facade shall not exceed the two square feet for each linear foot of facade width for that individual facade.

(4)

When calculating the permitted sign area based on the width of any facade, such calculation shall be based on viewing the facade from a 90-degree angle (i.e., straight on), regardless of facade insets, offsets, or angles.

Figure 8-H: Illustration of facade width measurement on varied facade shapes.

Attached sign type standards. The following standards shall apply to the individual types of attached sign types:

Wall sign standards. Any wall sign shall comply with the following standards:

Wall signs shall be mounted on or flush with a wall and shall not project more than 18 inches from the wall or face of the building to which it is attached.

A wall sign may be mounted on the facade wall or mounted on a raceway or wireway.

Awning signs.

Awnings must project a minimum of 36 inches from the building.

Long expanses of awning should be broken into segments that reflect the door or window openings beneath them.

Retractable or operable awnings are acceptable.

Awnings must be constructed of durable protective and water-repellant material.

In the D-B-D District, awnings cannot extend across multiple storefronts and/or multiple buildings. Additionally, plastic or fiberglass awnings or backlighting or illuminating awnings are not allowed.

Canopy or marquee sign standards. Any canopy or marquee sign shall comply with the following standards:

Signage may be mounted above any canopy or marquee provided it does not extend above the height of the building.

Changeable copy signs, including digital/electronic signs, may be included on a marquee.

(4)

Projecting sign standards. Any projecting sign shall comply with the following standards:

Only one projecting sign shall be permitted for each building unit.

A projecting sign shall be perpendicular to the wall of the building to which it is attached and shall not extend more than two feet from the facade wall to which it is attached.

The maximum sign area for a projecting sign shall be six square feet.

Projecting signs must be suspended from brackets or other supports approved by the building code and contain no exposed guy wires or turnbuckles.

Freestanding signs.

Table 8-1 establishes the maximum sign height and maximum sign area, per sign, for freestanding signs.

Only one freestanding sign is permitted per lot unless the lot is a double frontage or corner lot, in which case one freestanding sign is permitted along each frontage, with a maximum of two freestanding signs per lot.

Where a freestanding sign serves a building that contains multiple building units, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to determine the messaging on the sign. No more than two freestanding signs are permitted on any lot, regardless of the number of building units or tenants.

(4)

Changeable copy signs, including digital/electronic signage, shall be allowed as part of any freestanding sign allowed by these provisions. However, the total area of the changeable copy sign shall not exceed 50% of the total sign area.

(5)

Changeable copy signs that are digital or electronic are prohibited in residential zoning districts.

Table 8-1: Maximum Freestanding Sign Area and Height
Number of Building Units on the Lot	Total Building Floor Area (square feet)	Maximum Freestanding Sign Height (feet)	Maximum Sign Area for Freestanding Sign (square feet)
Number of Building Units on the Lot	Total Building Floor Area (square feet)	Maximum Freestanding Sign Height (feet)	Any Single Sign	Maximum Combined Sign Area[1]
1 or 2 building units	Under 15,000	60	160	320
1 or 2 building units	15,000 or more	70[2]	160	320
3 or more building units	15,000 to 29,999	20	120	150
	30,000 to 64,999	20	200	250
	65,000 to 99,999	30	350	450
	100,000 to 499,999	45	500	625

NOTES:
[1]	This is maximum sign area permitted on any single lot where two freestanding signs are permitted (i.e., corner or double frontage lots). In no case can any single sign exceed the maximum sign area permitted in the "Any Single Sign" column.
[2]	The maximum height for signs on lots where the principal buildings are within 250 feet of the center line of the U.S. Highway 431 corridor shall be 60 feet.

8-13-2.

Driveway signs.

Driveway signs shall not be permitted in a residential zoning district except when accessory to an approved nonresidential use. In all other districts, driveway signs shall be permitted provided each sign complies with the standards of this section.

Driveway signs shall only be permitted near driveway entrances to a public street.

A maximum of two driveway signs is permitted per individual driveway.

Driveway signs shall be located within 50 feet of the right-of-way. There shall be no minimum setback from a right-of-way or lot line, but such signs shall not encroach into a right-of-way.

Each driveway sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and three feet in height in every district except the M-1 and M-2 Districts.

In the M-1 and M-2 Districts, each driveway may have two driveway signs that comply with the standards established in this section or may have one driveway sign with a larger maximum sign area of 12 square feet and a maximum height of six feet.

Driveway signs may be mounted on a post or pole provided the post or pole does not exceed one foot in height.

(H)

Driveway signs may be internally or externally illuminated provided that any illumination shall not glare onto an adjacent right-of-way.

(I)

Driveway signs shall not count toward any other sign allowance in this article.

8-13-3.

Sidewalk sign.

Sidewalk signs shall be placed in front of the building or leased space during business hours respective to the use in the building or leased space.

The placement of a sidewalk signs shall require the maintenance of a clear area adjacent to the sign to allow for pedestrian movement.

Sidewalk signs shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from any other sidewalk sign.

There shall be no time limit for sidewalk signs with the exception that the sign shall only be placed outside during the hours of the establishment's operation.

A sign permit shall be required for the initial use of a sidewalk sign when it will be placed on a public sidewalk. No additional permit shall be required unless a new occupant or tenant wishes to utilize a new sign.

There shall be a maximum number of sidewalk signs permitted in association with any single lot or building equal to the number of building units on the ground floor.

Only one sidewalk sign is allowed for any one business establishment (building unit) at one time and shall be located within 10 feet of such business establishment provided that:

It shall not reduce any sidewalk width, as measured perpendicular to the curb, to less than four feet to allow for continuous unobstructed pedestrian traffic; and

It shall not be placed in a location that will obstruct the view of a motorist or a pedestrian leaving or passing the business or shopping center.

(H)

Such signs shall not exceed a maximum sign area of eight square feet and four feet in height.

(I)

Must be painted and/or stained to reflect a professional finish.

(J)

The sign may be located on a public or private sidewalk or walkway provided it is placed on pavement and not in any landscaped areas or on pavement used for vehicles (e.g., driveways and parking lots).

(K)

The sign must be freestanding and shall not be affixed, chained, anchored, or otherwise secured to the ground or to any pole, parking meter, tree, tree grate, fire hydrant, railing, or other structure.

(L)

The sign must not obstruct access to parking meters, bicycle racks and other features legally in the right-of-way.

(M)

The sign must not interfere with the opening of car doors in legal spaces, or with the operation of wheelchair lifts and ramps, cab stands, loading zones or bus stops.

(N)

The sign shall be internally weighted so that it is stable and windproof.

(O)

Where a sidewalk sign is to be placed upon a public sidewalk each of the following shall apply:

The City of Albertville shall be held harmless from any liability resulting from accident or injury caused by the placement or maintenance of such sign.

§ 8-14 Large-scale off-premises signs (billboards).

The right to place a sign upon the public sidewalk may be revoked or suspended by the Enforcement Official if the sign is being maintained contrary to the provisions of this section, or if the sign becomes a hazard to the public safety.

(P)

If the provisions of this section are amended or repealed, the signs allowed hereunder shall be removed or altered to conform to said action.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

Large-scale off-premises signs, also known as billboards, shall conform to the following standards:

8-14-1.

Maximum height: 35 feet.

8-14-2.

Maximum sign face area: 720 square feet for double-sided and 360 square feet for single-sided sign.

8-14-3.

No large-scale off-premises sign which exceeds 300 square feet in sign face area shall be located closer than 1,000 feet to any other large-scale off-premises sign.

8-14-4.

Large-scale off-premises signs shall not be stacked or erected side by side on the same support structure.

8-14-5.

Large-scale off-premises signs may contain digital or electronic messages and signage.

§ 8-15 Nonconforming signs.

[Ord. No. 2030-26, 2-3-2026]

Any sign legally established prior to the effective date of this article, or amendments thereto, and which sign is rendered nonconforming by the provisions herein, shall be subject to the following nonconforming sign regulations:

8-15-1.

No changes are to be made to remove, relocate, expand, modify or alter the sign face area, or advertising structure to which the sign is attached. Once a sign is removed it is required to conform to the current regulations. However, in the event the business establishment is required by its franchisor, or the sign panel is damaged, or the sign panel is faded and unsightly, then a new sign panel shall be allowed to be installed by a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This provision applies only to interior lit cabinet signs, and in no event shall any non-professional wooden or hand-painted sign or grandfathered sign that would not be considered for acceptance by variance be allowed to be replaced. Should the sign be substantially damaged to the extent a new sign will be installed, the new sign shall comply with the provisions of this ordinance.

8-15-2.

There are no additions to the existing sign.

8-15-3.

The sign is to be maintained in a condition that is not unsafe, incomplete, declared a public nuisance or a danger to the public. Normal maintenance, such as changes to the faces of the sign, is not subject to these requirements. Nonconforming permanent signs that are totally replaced as a part of future maintenance shall fully comply with these regulations. When a nonconforming permanent sign is damaged or destroyed beyond 50% of the surface area or structure, including natural acts, or becomes obsolete for any cause, any replacement sign shall fully comply with these regulations. A nonconforming permanent sign that has changes to either the height or surface area shall fully comply with the applicable regulations after the modification.

8-15-4.

In the event of an unsafe, incomplete or nuisance sign, the Building Inspector shall order that the nonconforming sign be replaced or removed within 30 days after proper notification to the person, firm or corporation owning or using the sign or advertising structure.

8-15-5.

No permits for additional signs will be issued for the premises on which there are nonconforming signs. Nonconforming permanent signs that are relocated on the same property or moved to a different lot shall fully comply with these regulations.

8-15-6.

Relocation of the business to which the nonconforming sign is dedicated.

8-15-7.

When a change in use, occupancy or ownership occurs that necessitates the changing of a nonconforming permanent sign, the replacement sign shall fully comply with these regulations.

8-15-8.

Nonconforming temporary and non-durable signs shall be brought into compliance with these sign regulations by taking the following actions:

All nonconforming signs made of paper, cloth or other non-durable material shall be removed within 60 days.