Huntsville, AL Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 72.8.7
- Constant intensity
- No flashing, blinking, rotating light
- Beam restriction
- No focused glare onto street, sidewalk, premises
- Permit disclosure
- Lighting plan required, § 72.11.2(2)(d)
- Ground sign height cap
- 35 ft, § 72.8.12
- Inspection cycle
- Annual, § 72.12
Summary
Huntsville has no billboard-specific lighting statute, but every illuminated sign in the city, including off-premise and billboard-type structures, is bound by Section 72.8.7's constant-intensity and no-glare-beam rule enforced by the zoning administrator.
72.8.7 Illuminated signs and outside lighting devices, including beacons and spotlights, shall emit only light of constant intensity, and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, blinking, intermittent, rotating or moving light or lights, except electronic display signs that comply with the applicable provisions of this article. In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device be so placed or directed as to permit focused light to be directed or beamed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk, or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that constitutes a traffic hazard or nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
21, which is not this rule). The same section forbids aiming an illuminated sign or fixture so that focused light beams onto a public street, highway, sidewalk, or adjacent premises in a way that causes glare or reflection rising to a traffic hazard or nuisance. 00, rising with installed cost over $1,000. 13 lets the zoning administrator order repair, maintenance, or removal of any sign found hazardous, including from lighting that has fallen into disrepair, with appeal running to the Board of Zoning Adjustment and then circuit court. 12, a limit that applies equally to a lit billboard-style structure absent a more specific district standard.
Violations & Fines
A sign lit with flashing, rotating, or beamed light in violation of Section 72.8.7 is a zoning ordinance violation. Under Article 91's enforcement provisions, the zoning administrator can order the fixture brought into compliance or removed, and conviction carries a fine of up to $500 plus court costs and up to six months in jail, with each day the unlawful lighting continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Huntsville have a separate billboard lighting ordinance?
Can a Huntsville sign flash or rotate its lighting?
Can a lit sign in Huntsville shine light onto the street or a neighbor's property?
Do I have to disclose sign lighting when applying for a Huntsville sign permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntsville
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