The Mobile City Board of Adjustment on Nov. 3 held over a wireless‑tower variance request and approved multiple variances and special exceptions for signage, uses and setbacks across the city.

Michael Bentley, speaking on behalf of American Tower Corporation, told the board the Old Shell Road application involves "the extension of a wireless tower on Old Shell Road near the Southwest edge of the University of South Alabama" and that during the holdover period the applicant discovered a residential property (Ivy Row) inside the required buffer. Bentley asked the board to allow a 30‑day hold so American Tower can file a revised variance and the item can be readvertised; planning staff said they had learned of the additional variance the same day and concurred. The board held the application over 30 days at the applicant's request.

The board then moved through more than a half dozen land‑use items, front‑loading matters with policy or operational impacts. Warren Robinson of Victor Stein Company said a sign project at 1720 Spring Hill Avenue remains delayed by utility relocation and ALDOT permitting; the applicant requested—and the board granted—a 12‑month extension while Spire and permitting work proceed.

Signage requests were prominent on the agenda. Hayden Oliver of Reico/Reiko Signs presented multiple variances for a new Wawa at 4125 Moffett Road, including pylons, wall signs and non‑illuminated spanners intended to address topography and visibility. After discussion referencing prior Wawa approvals, the board approved a reduced package (board motion approved 3 wall signs and 2 freestanding signs, subject to findings of fact). Robinson later sought a second wall sign for a Chipotle at 5344 U.S. Highway 90 West to improve visibility from the adjacent service road; after debate about monument placement and site constraints the board approved that request (vote recorded in the meeting as six in favor, one opposed).

Other approved items included:
- A use variance to reestablish a preexisting convenience store/gas station at 1615 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue; Aaron Ingram said the building has been renovated and staff said the prior nonconforming use was abandoned about 10 years ago. The board approved the variance.
- A residential wall variance at 4100 Ridgeline Drive allowing a 6½‑foot brick wall on a corner lot where 3 feet is allowed; the applicant said neighboring property owners support the wall. The board approved the request.
- A façade/signage update for Foot Locker at 3201 Airport Boulevard that reduces total signage and updates branding; the board approved the change.
- A digital message center for Mount Ararat Church at 5201 Washington Boulevard; board members expressed concern about illumination after sunset, and the applicant agreed the message center can be dimmed or turned off at night. The board approved the sign with a condition that it be off after official sunset.
- A special exception to allow an ultrasound training institute at 7675 Cottage Hill Road (maximum described enrollment 20 students, two instructors; daytime hours only). The board approved the special exception with a condition restricting operation to normal weekday business hours.
- An amendment to allow an additional daycare building at 4519 Cypress Business Park Drive (applicant said parking ratios remain compliant). The board approved the amendment subject to findings of fact.
- A screened porch inside the 25‑foot setback at 6900 Cobblestone Way North (roughly 12.5×12.3 feet); the board approved the variance subject to findings of fact.

One application, for property at 3244 Dauphin Street, was withdrawn by the applicant while they continue discussions with the shopping‑center owner; staff noted a six‑month waiting period for identical reapplications unless the proposal is substantially changed.

There were no substantial public opposition comments recorded on the items heard. The board approved minutes from April, May and June 2025 and concluded the meeting.

Votes at a glance
- 6710 Old Shell Road (American Tower): holdover 30 days (applicant request) — held over.
- 1720 Spring Hill Ave (sign project extension): motion approved — 12‑month extension granted.
- 4125 Moffett Rd (Wawa signage variances): motion approved — conditional approval (3 wall signs, 2 freestanding, subject to findings).
- 1615 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave (convenience store use variance): motion approved — variance granted.
- 4100 Ridgeline Dr (residential wall variance): motion approved — variance granted.
- 3201 Airport Blvd (Foot Locker sign update): motion approved — signage update granted.
- 5201 Washington Blvd (Mount Ararat Church message center): motion approved — condition that sign be off after official sunset.
- 7675 Cottage Hill Rd (ultrasound training special exception): motion approved — restricted to normal weekday business hours.
- 4519 Cypress Business Park Dr (daycare variance amendment): motion approved — amendment granted.
- 5344 US Hwy 90 W (Chipotle second wall sign): motion approved — 6 in favor, 1 opposed.
- 6900 Cobblestone Way N (screen porch setback): motion approved — variance granted.
- 3244 Dauphin St: application withdrawn by applicant.

What the board did not decide today: the American Tower application will be re‑advertised once the applicant files a revised variance addressing the residential buffer; the board deferred action for 30 days to allow that process.