Alabama law regulates billboard placement.
Alabama, like most states, regulates the placement of billboards along its highways. Even though Alabama may have less stringent requirements than some states, all are impacted by the Federal Highway Beautification Act, which requires that "The States must provide continuing 'effective control' of outdoor advertising or be subject to a loss of 10 percent of their Federal-aid highway funds." To comply, Alabama has its own state Highway Beautification Act, which in many aspects mimics the federal law, however, it does not distinguish between wooden billboards and any other kind.
Permit
In Alabama, a permit issued by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is required to erect a billboard. Construction of the billboard must be completed within twelve months from receipt of the permit. There is a $25.00 initial permit fee, with an additional annual renewal fee of $10.00 due January 1st of each year.
Identification Tag
Once a billboard has been permitted, it must be labeled with a permanent identification tag. This tag will prove to inspectors that the sign has been approved by ALDOT.
Proper Distance from Highway
According to the Code of Alabama, Section 23-1-273, "No ... outdoor advertising sign, display, or device with the purpose of its message being read from the main-traveled way of an interstate highway or primary highway [shall] be erected after April 11, 1978, outside of an urban area beyond 660 feet of the nearest edge of right-of-way of an interstate or primary highway. . ." The Code Section exempts several types of signs from this regulation, including directional signs, which advertise well-known attractions in the area, and official signs which include municipal signs, civic organization or church signs.
Correct Proximity to Business
If an area is considered commercial, but is not zoned, then the advertising billboard must be located no further from the business than 600 feet, and the business must be located no further than 660 feet from the right-of-way of the highway. If the business is adjacent to an interstate, then the sign must be located on the same side of the interstate as the business itself. Placement of an advertising sign shall not be allowed until the business has been in operation for at least 12 months.
Size
Alabama will allow a lot of leeway concerning size if the state, local or municipal authority determines a sign conforms to customary requirements for an area that is zoned commercial or industrial. If this determination is not made in industrial or commercial areas, any one sign may be no more than 672 square feet, no taller than 14 feet and no longer than 48 feet, if erected on or after July 15, 1995. If erected before July 15, 1995, it shall be no larger than 1200 square feet, no taller than 30 feet and no longer than 60 feet.
Lighting
No lighting may be included on the sign that flashes, is so bright as to cause a glare to passing drivers or that would interfere visually with traffic signals.
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