Mobile City Board of Adjustment approves multiple sign and variance requests; ALDOT raises safety concerns over proposed cell tower

The Mobile City Board of Adjustment met March 2, 2026 in Mobile City to consider sign permits, variance extensions and infrastructure exceptions; the board approved multiple motions by voice vote and took public comment from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) opposing a proposed cell tower near a bridge approach.

Several routine extension requests were approved early in the hearing. Brandon Black of Kimley Horn told the board "Target's getting started next month" and asked for a six‑month extension to complete signage work for the Target at Bair Mall; the board approved a six‑month extension. Paul Davis sought a six‑month extension for a restaurant project at 960 South Lawrence Street to finish construction drawings; the board granted the extension. Chester Lowitz of Alabama Power requested a nine‑month extension for work at 850 Marian Street, citing material procurement and seasonal constraints; the board approved the nine‑month extension.

The board also approved a reduction and reconfiguration of signage at 985 Schillinger Road South after the applicant said the project would reduce existing signage from seven to five. Harold Russell of Hendrick Signs and Graphics sought a wall‑sign variance for a corner market at 5831 U.S. Highway 90 West; he said the existing pylon was a refacing of an earlier cabinet and estimated the wall sign at roughly "62 and a half ft wide," larger than the code maximum. The board limited approval to the size shown in the application and approved the request.

Kimley Horn representatives presented a package of requests for wastewater lift stations on Dolphin Island Parkway, stressing safety and operational needs for unmanned pump stations. "These variances are necessary for the safe operation of a wastewater lift station," said Brock Jones; the board approved the special exceptions and related variances with conditions and findings of fact.

A residential variance for a carriage house and related site work at 1558 Lulling Street was approved after the architect explained the need to preserve a reasonable pool buffer for a family with small children; staff confirmed the consolidated lot brought site coverage into compliance.

A large signage plan for a hotel site on West I‑65 Service Road South was pared back after board comment. Jay Watkins said the site fronts multiple roads and requested wall signs on all elevations and pylons at entries; the board removed one requested wall sign and approved the remainder.

The most contested item was a proposed permanent cell tower at 360 Palmetto Street. Applicant Patent Han said the proposal was intended to replace temporary equipment used while other sites were unavailable. Paul Gelano, representing the Alabama Department of Transportation, presented exhibits and urged the board to consider proximity to ALDOT right‑of‑way and bridge approach elevations. Gelano described safety and operational questions about the tower's siting and asked the board to adhere to Unified Development Code standards; he asked, "what kind of exposure would the traveling public have?" ALDOT also raised concerns about the tower's radius and potential effects on bridge systems and tolling equipment. The record shows ALDOT in opposition and no final decision on the tower during the March 2 hearing.

What the board decided: motions for extensions, sign variances and lift‑station exceptions were carried by voice vote with findings and standard conditions; the cell‑tower request remained contested with ALDOT objections and was not finalized at this meeting.

Next steps: approved items proceed under the conditions and findings recorded by the board; the cell‑tower application will remain subject to further review and any additional materials or conditions the board may request.