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Sign_Brochure_TempSigns_2022A guide to Temporary Signs in Prattville City of Prattville Planning & Development Department 334-595-0500 ● planning@prattvilleal.gov http://planning.prattvilleal.gov This brochure is a guide provided for general information about the City of Prattville’s sign regulations. You must consult the full Prattville Zoning Ordinance for complete information. Please contact a member of the Planning staff if you have any questions prior to placing a sign within the city limits of Prattville. Temporary Signs During Special Time Periods Right-of-Way and Safety The right-of-way is property owned and maintained by the City or State, typically where a road or street is located, and usually includes the sidewalk, utility meters and utility poles, and a strip of grass. A grass or paved median between lanes is part of the right-of- way. More Questions? If you have any questions about our sign regulations or about the Zoning Ordinance, please contact a member of the Planning staff. Thank you for helping us keep Prattville a safe and attractive community. Temporary signs may not be located in the right-of-way and must be set back at least 5 feet from the nearest edge of pave- ment or back of curb and 3 feet from the nearest sidewalk. Nonresidential Zones (Business, Office, Institutional, Manufacturing) During Construction: Two temporary signs are allowed at the main entrance; each sign may be up to 32 square feet and not taller than six feet. They must be removed within 30 days of completion of construction. During Repair/Renovation: One additional temporary sign may be posted for up to 60 days, no larger than 12 square feet. During Election Season: Beginning 180 days before an election, between primary and general elections, and 10 days after the last election, each nonresidential premises is permitted one additional temporary sign no larger than 32 square feet and no taller than six feet above the ground. Residential Zones During Construction: Subdivisions, neighborhoods, and multifamily developments are allowed two temporary signs at the main entrance; each sign may be up to 32 square feet and not taller than six feet. During Election Season: There is no additional allowance for temporary signs in residential zones during election season. Hint: a standard 4’x 8’ sheet of plywood is 32 square feet Other Sign Placement Tips: Street corners and driveway entrances are areas where signs can easily obstruct the view of traffic. Be careful when placing signs in these locations; consider the line of sight of a driver sitting in a car (about 3 ½ feet). Even if otherwise placed properly, if City staff determine a sign is a potential traffic or safety hazard, the sign may be removed immediately. Remember to get the property owner’s permission before placing a sign anywhere. 12/2022 What Is A Temporary Sign? A sign that is not permanently attached to the ground or a structure (e.g. a building), or is not designed or intended for permanent display is a temporary sign. Examples include banners and yard signs. General Regulations Prattville does not regulate signs based on content or viewpoint, nor does it favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech. Temporary signs found to be torn, faded, or in otherwise deteriorated condition are a violation. You may not place a sign in or over the right-of-way. The right-of-way is the property owned and maintained by the City or State, typically where a road or street is located, and usually includes the sidewalk and utility meters and utility poles. Signs may not be attached to utility poles, meter posts, or trees, and may not be placed in any location or in any manner that may create a traffic or safety issue. Improperly placed temporary signs may be removed immediately by City staff. Prohibited Signs The following signs and sign types are not allowed: Anything with moving or flashing lights or any design that could be confused with emergency lighting, or use mirrors to reflect light. Signs that imitate a traffic signal or traffic sign (e.g. red octagon, “Stop,” “Caution”). Portable signs. Inflatables, pennants, streamers, and other wind activated signs. Signs that emit noise or smoke. Inflatables, wind blades, feather signs, and other wind activated signs are not allowed Pennants and portable signs are not allowed Where Temporary Signs May Be Placed Residential Zones At any time, residential premises may have up to three temporary signs. No single sign can be larger than 9 square feet in area (length x width) and the total area of all the signs can be no more than 20 square feet. The signs cannot be taller than 4 feet above the ground and may not be attached to fences. Temporary signs may only stay up for 90 days at a time. Nonresidential Zones (Business, Office, Institutional, Manufacturing) At any time, nonresidential premises may have up to two temporary signs. No single sign can be larger than 16 square feet and cannot be taller than six feet. Temporary signs may only stay up for 90 days. In the place of one of these temporary signs, a single banner may be placed that is no larger than 40 square feet. If freestanding, it can’t be more than six feet tall. Temporary signs may not be placed in a public right-of-way, which includes medians and where traffic control signs (e.g. stop signs and street signs) are located. They must be set back at least 5 feet from the nearest edge of pavement or back of curb and 3 feet from the nearest sidewalk or bike path. They may not be attached to utility poles. This guide is for general reference only. Consult the Prattville Zoning Ordinance for complete information. Yard Sign Banner Temporary signs may be placed without a permit. Permanent signs must receive a permit before being installed. All signs must follow the regulations.