FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Urban Development: Planning: Land Use Administration / GIS (zoning)
	What is the Zoning Ordinance? The Ordinance describes the types, size, and shape of uses that can exist in the appropriate zoning districts. These regulations, in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, ensure that land uses are compatibly located and benefit the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens. Questions about the Zoning Ordinance can be answered by the Urban Development Department at (251) 208-5895. To report a complaint, call the Action Center at (251) 208-7999.
	What is the Sign Ordinance? The City of Mobile is committed to enhancing the appearance and economic value of Mobile’s visual environment. The Sign Ordinance regulates size, type, number, and location of signs available to each business. The Sign Ordinance can be found within the Zoning Ordinance. To obtain information on the Sign Ordinance, contact the Urban Development Department at (251) 208-5895. To report a complaint, call the Action Center at (251) 208-7999.
	What is the Landscaping Ordinance? In an effort to enhance the aesthetic and economic value of the city, Mobile enacted a Landscaping Ordinance. These regulations require that new or significantly changed uses provide sufficient trees and landscaped areas to improve the City’s visual and natural environment. The Landscaping Ordinance can be found within the Zoning Ordinance. Questions about the Landscaping Ordinance can be answered by the Urban Development Department at (251) 208-5895. To report a complaint, call the Action Center at (251) 208-7999.
	What are the Subdivision Regulations? Another service the Land Use Section provides is as an advisor to the Planning Commission on the issue of subdivisions or the dividing of land. Subdivisions are usually the first step in development of growth which is a big concern to the City and its Planning Jurisdiction in terms of provision of adequate services. Therefore, the Planning Commission will determine if the minimum requirements (i.e. size of lot, proper access, etc.) are met before approving the subdivision. In addition to reviewing these applications within the city limits, the Commission’s jurisdiction extends five miles beyond the city limits to what is known as the Planning Jurisdiction. The State allows the extension because again, the City of Mobile must be prepared to provide services as the city grows.
	What is my property zoned? Check online at - Web Mapping or contact the Land Use office at (251) 208-5895. Please verify all information with the Department before making any business decisions.
	How close may I build to my property line? For a standard-size lot (minimum of 60’ wide), you can build as close as 25’ to your front property line and as close as 8’ to your rear property line. In general, for lots which are not on a corner, you can build as close as 8’ to your side property line as long as you allow at least 12’ of space on the opposite side of the structure (for a total of 20’ of side yard setback). For corner lots or lots which are less than 60’ in width, call the Urban Development Department for setbacks.
	How high may my fence be? Zoning Ordinance, Section IV.D.6. 6. FENCES AND WALLS. No fence or wall that obstructs sight shall be erected or altered in any required front yard to exceed a height of three (3) feet, and no fence or wall shall be erected or altered in any required side or rear yard to exceed a height of eight (8) feet.
	Can I operate a business from my home? Home Occupation Business is an occupation for gain or support that is conducted only by members of a family living in a dwelling. It is allowed in residentially zoned areas subject to, but not limited to, the following conditions: It must be conducted entirely within the dwelling and not take place in the yard or a detached building. Only 25% of the gross floor area in the dwelling may be utilized for the business activity. Only residents of the home may work in the dwelling. The business activity shall be incidental to the residential uses of the premises. Limited to 1 sign, unlighted, attached to the dwelling and no larger than 1 square foot. In general, a Home Occupation Business shall include personal services such as those provided by a physician, musician, artist, cosmetician, or seamstress. Some Home Occupation Businesses may require additional conditions than those listed above. For any additional information about your particular business, please call the Land Use Section at (251) 208-5895 or via e-mail at whistler@cityofmobile.org.
	I think my neighbor's structure is too close to the property line/fence too high/operating a business out of their home, what can I do? To report a complaint or possible violation, please call the City of Mobile Action Center at (251) 208-7999.
	How do I sell a piece of my property/give a piece of property to a family member? Subdivision Regulations (pdf) Subdivision Approval is required whenever a new lot is being created, or an existing lot line is being removed, or shifted regardless of whether the property is being sold or simply conveyed to someone else. The Planning Commission reviews all such applications within the corporate limits of Mobile, as well as the Planning Jurisdiction which extends five miles beyond the corporate limits. This approval ensures that the proposed subdivision of land complies with the minimum requirements of the Subdivision Regulations, including but not limited to minimum lot size and adequate access. (Subdivision Application (pdf)
	Do I need a Sign Permit? (Sign Permit Application (pdf)) General Information All signs require permitting. Each sign requires a separate permit application, permit fee and inventory fee. All permit applications must be signed by a licensed and bonded sign contractor or the property owner. All signs must be located on private property (except sandwich board signs, described below). All illuminated signs must have an Underwriter Laboratory number and sticker. No flashing, blinking, or chasing lights are allowed. Required Information for Sign Permit A completed sign permit application. The dimensions of the facia for a wall sign. The amount of linear street frontage for a free-standing sign. The location, number, size and height of all signs located on the property where the proposed sign is to be placed. A Certificate of Appropriateness from the appropriate. Historic Review Board, if the sign is located in an area subject to Historic Review Board approval. Banners (Banner Permit Application (pdf)) Banners are allowed in the City Limits of Mobile subject to the appropriate permitting. A completed banner permit application per occurrence. $20.00 permit fee per application. Limited to 30 days, 3 occurrences per year, not to run consecutively. Must be placed on private property, attached to building. Review Board approval required in Historic Districts. Sandwich Board Information (Sandwich Board Sign Application (pdf)) Allowed only in area bounded by Broad, Beauregard, Water and Canal Streets. Only one sandwich board sign allowed per business located on the ground floor and facing a public street. Max. size 24” wide by 36” high. Hold Harmless Agreement required. Must be removed from sidewalk before close of business. $25.00 permit fee
	I want to start a business, what do I need to do first? A Zoning Clearance must be obtained to ensure that the property is appropriately zoned for the proposed business use. The City Revenue Department can then be contacted for the required licenses.
	How do I apply for a Zoning Clearance online? Click to apply for a Zoning Clearance online
	Is my property located within the City?s Planning Jurisdiction? Web Mapping
	How do I submit an application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment? Board of Zoning Adjustment
	How do I submit an application to the Mobile City Planning Commission? Mobile City Planning Commission
	Is my application on a particular Board of Zoning Adjustment or Mobile City Planning Commission agenda? Board of Zoning Adjustment Planning Commission
	What has the staff recommended on a particular Board of Zoning Adjustment/Planning Commission application? Board of Zoning Adjustment Planning Commission
	What action did the Board of Zoning Adjustment/Planning Commission take on a particular application? Board of Zoning Adjustment Planning Commission
	What are the meeting/deadline dates for the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Planning Commission? Current Board of Zoning Adjustment Meeting/Deadline Schedule (pdf) Current Planning Commission Meeting/Deadline Schedule (pdf)
	I am unable to attend a Board of Zoning Adjustment/Planning Commission meeting, but I would like to voice my concerns, what can I do? Click to Comment on Public Hearings