Do's and Don'ts for Digital Readerboard Signs in Anniston, Alabama

Digital readerboard signs are a powerful tool for businesses to convey messages, but Anniston, Alabama, enforces strict regulations on their use. This guide outlines the rules and restrictions to help ensure your sign complies with local codes.

Permitted Zoning Districts

Digital readerboards are only allowed in the following zones:

• Suburban Corridor (SC)
• Suburban Neighborhood Center (SNC)
• Industrial 1 - Limited (IL)
• Industrial 2 - General (IG)
• Major Institution/Civic Campus (MI)

If your business is outside these zones, digital readerboards are not permitted.

Key Rules for Digital Readerboard Signs

1. Size Restrictions

• Digital Readerboard Area: Limited to 12 square feet.
• Overall Sign Size by District:
  • SC Zone: 2 square feet per 1 linear foot of facade or 32 square feet, whichever is greater. Freestanding signs are capped at 100 square feet.
  • SNC Zone: 2 square feet per 1 linear foot of facade or 32 square feet, whichever is greater.
  • IL/IG Zones: Freestanding signs can be up to 150 square feet.

2. Placement Requirements

• Street-Facing Facades: Building-mounted signs must be placed on street-facing facades or on facades with customer entrances.
• Freestanding Signs:
  • Must not overhang the right-of-way.
  • Multiple freestanding signs on a corner lot must be at least 50 feet apart.
• Sight Lines: Signs must not impede the clear line-of-sight for vehicles or pedestrians. Placement will be evaluated by the City Engineer.

Digital Readerboard-Specific Rules

3. Content and Animation Restrictions

• No Flashing, Scrolling, or Animation: Messages must remain static. Flashing or animated content is prohibited.
• Instantaneous Changes: Message changes must occur instantaneously and not simulate motion.
• Dwell Time: Messages must remain visible for a minimum of 9 seconds before transitioning.

4. The 75% Rule

• Changeable copy readerboards cannot occupy more than 75% of the total sign area.
• Example: If the total sign size is 100 square feet, the readerboard cannot exceed 75 square feet.

5. Prohibited Sign Locations and Designs

Certain types of signs and placements are strictly prohibited:

• Right-of-Way: No sign is allowed within the public right-of-way, including public parks and the Quintard Avenue median.
• Overhanging Right-of-Way: Freestanding signs must have a clearance of at least 8 feet if extending over the right-of-way.
• Impeding Pedestrian Traffic: Portable signs, such as A-frame menus or promotions, are allowed at entry points but cannot block pedestrian flow.
• Roof Signs: Any signage mounted on rooftops is prohibited.
• Off-Site Advertising: Signs unrelated to the premises, such as billboards or off-site advertising, are not allowed unless explicitly permitted.

Steps to Ensure Compliance

1. Verify Your Zoning District: Use the Anniston Zoning Map to confirm your location falls within a permitted district.
2. Consult with the City Engineer: For line-of-sight evaluations and placement reviews.
3. Secure a Permit: Submit a detailed application, including sign dimensions, content plans, and placement details.
4. Maintain Compliance: Regularly inspect your sign to ensure it adheres to all operational and placement rules.