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

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.