[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6217697,"mediaKeyId","3643121-c524a0c2eac7d130c97a77bed3779885","parentId",3643121,"title","Board renews sign variance for Walmart at 685 Schillinger Road S. to match prior approval","audioSeconds",444,"startMs",4126000,"endMs",4570000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643121-c524a0c2eac7d130c97a77bed3779885&start=4126&end=4570","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643121-c524a0c2eac7d130c97a77bed3779885/thumbnail_4126000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6217697/Mobile-City/Mobile-County/Alabama/Board-renews-sign-variance-for-Walmart-at-685-Schillinger-Road-S-to-match-prior-approval","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217697-d183eddf5cd8ff8c506e5310e6c5881c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201670&Signature=l81XYL08UBCQwqPu~plwlrICVpXpifuiNJdhmD7rxKtozNC92-uGuM9QWbbzhTf1aejsD1cv0pDqs9dIa23ZCNhRj1Z60gqSGeT3BxRwuhcM3OYIqtEhzI15~x~PxTporGULRDYOPC4ZfoXpeJiNjfVkSfZWEb-zSOOQdoTMtd~QkrZeAhGMuj6r29BepLgfCHABze6e~OT~suogjbUFe40PiNp8Vg-zNGVILWn~s7U4Nxj50L9eryacXTK9gJbFNKrrOzpxX45pcKvXNNV0FmU7fNLHIC4t82CDGAv9npofFlFvnEG8GkgKyraw5-NuOPGkwR0FkMeYKhMVjdaGPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mobile City, AL","date","2025-06-04T00:34:09.617Z","article","The Mobile Board of Adjustment on June 2 renewed a sign variance for Walmart at 685 Schillinger Road South, allowing building signage slightly larger than the 20‑square‑foot limit for informational signs.

John Rebury of Hedrick’s Sign (representing Walmart) said the application seeks reapproval of the same sign package the board approved in February of the prior year; that approval had expired. He said the requested wall signs are identical to the prior submission and needed renewal for the current rebranding and readability from the parking lot.

Staff confirmed the prior approval had lapsed and that this application duplicates the previously permitted signage. With no public opposition recorded, a board member moved to approve the variance subject to findings of fact. The motion carried.

The renewed variance permits Walmart to proceed with sign permits consistent with the board’s approval; building permits and any code checks will follow normal administrative review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Mobile Board of Adjustment Meeting June 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A sign variance allowing Walmart to use larger building signage was renewed June 2 by the Board of Adjustment after staff noted the requested graphics match a previously approved design that has expired.","taxTitle","Mobile City, Mobile County, Alabama","taxId",3866,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6217701,"Nonprofit’s thrift‑store variance approved for 2498 Government Blvd to support refugee resettlement programs",0,4436000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643121-c524a0c2eac7d130c97a77bed3779885&start=4436&end=4436","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643121-c524a0c2eac7d130c97a77bed3779885/thumbnail_4436000.jpg","/articles/6217701/Mobile-City/Mobile-County/Alabama/Nonprofits-thriftstore-variance-approved-for-2498-Government-Blvd-to-support-refugee-resettlement-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217701-e344bd09c9e55311df96027034157de0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201670&Signature=oHVLv8n5iGNhdGotMk9Yg4PQAlBxlvJZJfr~29ppllgwyYITZYyViDFwvxJrFRW7Ba8Gnrba6hn8uoObhbN27f2V69M2NuGw96y~0IOBUhMwCGSlReU97pj7TRcz~fjCp97lP5PUjeOcFcvcuPcL04MvEYnK6YjynHfF1PnF74ff8IDqAA5qPrG7ddYzciNuOYR51WLgznFrt1F7MyMh-VuoDythFPem8PEyBSNftetAaAxCXusBiI6LRqvqr9MdleMwAVDrKk1SZlKbkR1IjDHmC3pE5jRJCRJbih084Fx3eOGll-bLOZkngNpYvxmxa2EStJJ6utdk75cme4PwUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mobile Board of Adjustment on June 2 approved a use variance that will allow a local nonprofit that assists refugees to operate a thrift store at 2498 Government Boulevard.

Jerry Strode, speaking for the applicant, told the board the nonprofit plans to operate retail sales in a 2,500‑square‑foot suite adjacent to its existing office to generate revenue for programs. Staff noted the suite was formerly a RadioShack and that commercial uses have occupied the location for many years, supporting the requested change in use.

Why it matters: The variance enables a nonprofit to diversify funding by operating a donated‑goods retail operation in a commercial corridor, and it illustrates how the board weighs historical use and adjacent commercial activity when considering use variances.

Board members asked about vacancy history and previous unlicensed activity in the suite. Staff reported the space had been vacant for several years before the nonprofit leased it, and that an interim occupant (reported as an unlicensed spa or salon) did not operate with a business license. A board member cited the location’s long history as retail and nearby commercial uses as supportive of approval.

A motion to approve the use variance, subject to findings of fact, carried. Staff will proceed with permit review consistent with the board’s action.","The Board approved a use variance allowing a refugee‑resettlement nonprofit to operate a thrift store at 2498 Government Boulevard, finding the site’s history of retail use and surrounding commercial activity supported the request.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6217706,"Board approves Midtown mural that includes Keesler Federal name, with condition to remove off‑premise business names",189,3731000,3920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643121-c524a0c2eac7d130c97a77bed3779885&start=3731&end=3920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643121-c524a0c2eac7d130c97a77bed3779885/thumbnail_3731000.jpg","/articles/6217706/Mobile-City/Mobile-County/Alabama/Board-approves-Midtown-mural-that-includes-Keesler-Federal-name-with-condition-to-remove-offpremise-business-names","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217706-9afc2fa3882694e57dbb11a64c90bd94/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201670&Signature=fo97qpWiwtrP2QEa9sjp5jsxIJXyDx28sJITuONRkUqQGsLTcoIpgG1xDpDnpVDZzO2KbIfgxkBcwXxnY-zNqR0TnCRgDTYdxunAOKC~ZNeZY78PLa9NUaeJXjFiV4vBA05bHZ1RhN6w9PBeVZJa9av7DulZ31TG55JQzqZyd69ehPVIM4iDTc8KnlZDHJXtwizJbTOIQ~lJqS5OLax23teNVe8hvPwtGvkjwbvoWfADFn23uhvUWgRwo73q1xiSiV7UC68Rj7C4EKYAkZXQ9PqaDgbNKhO4uu1QDBz6~64jbhElCGAei7yZXr03~~LBIf2yv6PZhcEXvoN7fVXpbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mobile Board of Adjustment on June 2 approved a sign variance request to permit a mural bearing Keesler Federal’s name on a Midtown wall, but the board conditioned approval on removing other local business names from the artwork.

The mural proposal would display a welcome message that includes Keesler Federal’s name; because the rendering contained other local business names the planning staff and several board members treated those as off‑premise advertising that would require separate approvals. The board approved the mural with the change to remove or replace those business names.

Why it matters: The decision clarifies where the line falls between murals (which the city’s code treats differently) and signage that functions as advertising, and it preserves a path for community artwork while limiting off‑premise commercial references.

Andy Scott of Newhand Signs, speaking for the applicant, said the design was intended as a community mural and that the client is willing to replace the named businesses with neighborhood imagery if needed. Staff confirmed that murals without brand names are treated as murals (not signage) under current rules; adding a company name converts the work to a sign requiring board approval.

A board member moved to approve the application subject to findings of fact and with the condition that the mural not include off‑premise business names; the motion was seconded and carried. The applicant agreed to revise the artwork to remove direct brand references such as “Old Dutch” and “Doudrop” and to use imagery instead.

The board noted the mural will add visual vibrancy to the Midtown area while limiting the sign’s potential to serve as off‑premise advertising. The applicant may return if any business owners later request explicit off‑premise advertising approval.

Local stakeholders may monitor the final design as permitting proceeds.","The Mobile Board of Adjustment approved a wall mural reading “Keesler Federal welcomes you to Midtown” on June 2 but required removal of other business names from graphics so the mural is not treated as off‑premise advertising.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6217711,"Board of Adjustment affirms staff denial of nonconforming short‑term rental at 2550 Spring Hill Ave",2388,362000,2750000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643121-c524a0c2eac7d130c97a77bed3779885&start=362&end=2750","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643121-c524a0c2eac7d130c97a77bed3779885/thumbnail_362000.jpg","/articles/6217711/Mobile-City/Mobile-County/Alabama/Board-of-Adjustment-affirms-staff-denial-of-nonconforming-shortterm-rental-at-2550-Spring-Hill-Ave","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217711-45fd5209a1d60b5f4f414d6518d06be1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201670&Signature=oVtizvwNwPgANbGzX1~V1ofM6KKaTqKaYKs7BOc03nxJ-efp7aowz5dZbtY4k5xZ2kdgGIr2XHO32LqseE20sAeXiuBkmefsu795PS8LW6xLAjl9A2hU3-OcEmOK0CDJkSSr3EyHnkTQlGm26JS1t9YHdgETWvhfyYOv80nCGdT2T~KZa7ZnGuylbBordsxJV7Bxm4i2pR4hUhLbav0wjsClSoMoBsr9pGKZjzzY-G7nu4O0s~agYey~UsU42WCA2BYCdqAeQQulnf-aWzikSodPRUNmAJBP5c86DEIeEWm1btuEjB8Z80UpJpwYH0AtJCmsj6jx0mUesyOc0lDv0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mobile Board of Adjustment voted June 2 to affirm the planning staff’s decision and deny an administrative appeal seeking nonconforming‑use status for a short‑term rental at 2550 Spring Hill Avenue.

The board’s action leaves the staff determination intact and preserves the city’s position that the property’s short‑term rental use does not qualify as a preexisting nonconforming use under the Mobile Unified Development Code. Board members were told the decision can be appealed to circuit court.

Why it matters: The case touches on how the city treats short‑term rental operations that began before the 2023 UDC rules for short‑term rentals, whether remittance of lodging taxes signals municipal acceptance, and how courts apply the Alabama Supreme Court’s recent Dixon v. City of Auburn decision to similar facts.

At the hearing, Jim Rosler, representing the City of Mobile’s planning and zoning department, cited the Alabama Supreme Court’s October 2023 Dixon v. City of Auburn decision and read from the court’s finding: “The city's failure to engage in any enforcement efforts against Dixon before the enactment of the short term rental ordinance does not provide a basis for stopping the city from asserting that Dixon's short term rental use of the home's basement is not a pre existing nonconforming use.” Rosler told the board he saw the Dixon ruling as controlling and urged that the facts in Mobile closely align with Auburn.

Attorneys for the property owners argued differently. Casey Pipes, counsel for the applicant, said the owners seek recognition of a lawful, longstanding accessory dwelling unit use that converted to short‑term rentals and that the staff’s decision did not explain its reasoning in the original letter of denial. Carrie Kamanos, also representing the applicant, told the board the property had been used as a two‑unit rental for many years and that the owners began remitting lodging taxes after switching to short‑term rentals, which she said “gave our clients indication that this was an acceptable use.” She argued the 2018 code allowed accessory dwelling units to be used residentially and that the 2023 UDC’s new short‑term rental rules put owners on notice only after adoption.

Board members pressed both sides on legal tests the city applies. Staff and counsel discussed the UDC’s treatment of uses not listed in the permitted‑use chart, the difference between an accessory residential use and a business, and the city’s conditional‑use permitting route for short‑term rentals. Staff emphasized that, under Mobile’s rules, where a use is not listed the city should identify the most analogous permitted use, and that prior to the UDC the analogous category would have been a bed‑and‑breakfast — a use not permitted in the subject R‑1 district.

The board also asked about enforcement and notice. City staff explained the revenue department contracted with a private service to identify short‑term rentals operating in the jurisdiction; that generated a list with “definitely more than 300” addresses and prompted letters asking operators to apply for business licenses. Staff said notices about the licensing process were sent beginning in October 2024; the code change creating the short‑term rental licensing framework posted in early 2023.

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to deny the administrative appeal and thereby affirm the staff’s decision. The motion carried. Board members noted the applicant retains the right to seek review in circuit court.

The ruling leaves unsettled questions about owners who began short‑term rentals before the city adopted rules, including whether remittance of lodging taxes is sufficient to establish a lawful, preexisting use under Mobile law. The city and property owner each signaled readiness to pursue further legal review if either side appeals to circuit court.","The Mobile Board of Adjustment on June 2 upheld the planning staff’s decision denying nonconforming‑use status for a short‑term rental at 2550 Spring Hill Avenue, rejecting the property owner’s administrative appeal after extensive legal argument and a split over notice and zoning interpretation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board renews sign variance for Walmart at 685 Schillinger Road S. to match prior approval

Nonprofit’s thrift‑store variance approved for 2498 Government Blvd to support refugee resettlement programs

Board approves Midtown mural that includes Keesler Federal name, with condition to remove off‑premise business names

Board of Adjustment affirms staff denial of nonconforming short‑term rental at 2550 Spring Hill Ave