Sign Regulations in Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Monument, Wall, Mounted, A-Frame (Temporary). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Glendale, Arizona
Sample Sign Requirements in Glendale
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Wall Monument | 6 ft or wall height, whichever is less | 32 sq ft (area not to exceed 30% of wall area) | — |
| Freestanding Monument | 8 ft | 30-32 sq ft depending on road (see below, for General Residential = 32 sq ft, for parcels >20 acres = 60 sq ft) | — |
| Yard Sign (Developed Land) | 6 ft; for detached/attached housing lots <3 acres: 5 ft | 12 sq ft; for detached/attached housing lots <3 acres: 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for GlendaleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
17
- Freestanding Monument
- Wall, Mounted
- A-Frame (Temporary)
- Political Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Glendale
Other Cities in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
In Glendale, wall signs can be up to 6 ft or wall height, whichever is less and monument signs are limited to 6 ft or wall height, whichever is less. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Glendale, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Glendale, regulated sign types include Freestanding Monument, Wall, Mounted, A-Frame (Temporary), Political Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Glendale vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Glendale are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Glendale has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Glendale, Arizona Sign Rules at a Glance
Glendale, Arizona regulates 17 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Entry Wall Monuments in the A-1, RR, SR, R-1 zoning district are capped at 6 ft or wall height, whichever is less tall and 32 sq ft (area not to exceed 30% of wall area) (Sec. 35.4.310(G)(1)). Most commercial signs in Glendale require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Glendale, Arizona
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Glendale (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1, RR, SR, R-1 | 9 | 60 ft (flagpole)/8 ft (building mount) | Up to 96 sq ft (varies by flagpole height) or 18 sq ft (building mounted) | — |
| R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 | 9 | 60 ft | Various by flagpole height (up to 96 sq ft) | — |
| R-O | 3 | 15 ft | 30% of window area | — |
| C-O, G-O | 4 | 15 ft | 30% of window area | — |
| PR | 3 | 10 ft (arterial); 8 ft (other roads) | Per 35.4.310(H) | — |
| SC, C-1, C-2, C-3 | 3 | 8 - 14 ft, depending on road type | 80 sq ft (14 ft high) on major arterials; 60 sq ft (10 ft high) on other arterials; 32 sq ft (8 ft high) on other roads | — |
| B-P, M-1, M-2 | 3 | 60 ft (Loop 101/303); 20 ft (Grand/Northern Pkwy) | 250 sq ft (Loop 101/303); 125 sq ft (Grand/Northern Pkwy) | — |
| Planned Area Development (PAD) | 1 | 60 ft | 675 sq ft | — |
| Centerline Overlay District | 1 | 3.5 ft | 6 sq ft per side | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | Up to 60 ft (flagpole) | Up to 96 sq ft, varies by flagpole height/table | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Glendale(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
A-1, RR, SR, R-1
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Wall Monument | 6 ft or wall height, whichever is less | 32 sq ft (area not to exceed 30% of wall area) | — | — | 2 per main access point | At each main access point to development/subdivision | — | Unlock | 35.4.310(G)(1) |
| Freestanding Monument | 8 ft | 30-32 sq ft depending on road (see below, for General Residential = 32 sq ft, for parcels >20 acres = 60 sq ft) | — | — | 1 per 200 linear feet of street frontage (see special area rules) | At entrances or along street frontages (not on individual parcels) | — | Unlock | 35.4.310(H) |
| Yard Sign (Developed Land) | 6 ft; for detached/attached housing lots <3 acres: 5 ft | 12 sq ft; for detached/attached housing lots <3 acres: 6 sq ft | — | — | 2 per parcel max | Per parcel, exterior yard | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(G)(5)(b)(i-ii) |
| Yard Sign (Vacant Land <5 acres) | 5 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Vacant parcels | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(G)(5)(a)(i) |
| Yard Sign (Vacant Land >=5 acres) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Vacant parcels | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(G)(5)(a)(ii) |
| Political Sign | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per candidate/measure per street frontage | On private property with owner's permission (may be in public right-of-way; not in medians or blocking sidewalks) | — | Unlock | 35.4.312(F)(4), (7), (6) |
| Place Marker (Residential/Ag) | — | 3 sq ft (residence); 8 sq ft (agriculture) | — | — | Multiple, not to exceed aggregate area | Affixed to building, generally within 10 ft entrance | — | Unlock | 35.4.311(E)(3)-(4) |
| Non-commercial Flag | 60 ft (flagpole)/8 ft (building mount) | Up to 96 sq ft (varies by flagpole height) or 18 sq ft (building mounted) | — | — | 3 flagpoles per frontage | Yard or building | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(B) |
R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Wall Monument | 6 ft or wall height, whichever is less | 32 sq ft (area not to exceed 30% of wall area) | — | — | 2 per main access point | 2 per main access point to development/subdivision | — | Unlock | 35.4.310(G)(1) |
| Freestanding Monument | 8 ft | 32 sq ft (parcels <20 acres); 60 sq ft (parcels >20 acres) | — | — | Per 200 ft street frontage | At entrances/frontage, not for individual units | — | Unlock | 35.4.310(H) |
| Wall, Mounted | 15 ft | Max 60 sq ft per multiple residence development | — | — | Each structure may have wall signs per size regs | On each facade of structure | — | Unlock | 35.4.311(G) |
| Window | — | 30% of window area | — | — | — | Window exterior | — | Unlock | 35.4.311(K) |
| Yard Sign (Developed Land) | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | 2 max per parcel | Per parcel, external yard | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(G)(5b) |
| Political Sign | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage per candidate/measure | On property, public r-o-w permitted, with restrictions | — | Unlock | 35.4.312(F)(4-6) |
| Construction and Development Sign | — | 6 sq ft (duplex/single-family); 64 sq ft other | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On lot under construction | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(D) |
| Non-commercial Flag | 60 ft | Various by flagpole height (up to 96 sq ft) | — | — | 3 per street frontage | Yard or building | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(B) |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Sign | 5 ft (agr/res), 8 ft (others) | 16 sq ft (agricultural and residential districts); 32 sq ft (office, commercial, industrial) | — | — | 1 per candidate/measure per street frontage | Private property, within public right-of-way (not in medians, not blocking sidewalks) | — | Unlock | 35.4.312(F) |
| Yard Sign | — | Varies by zone and lot size (see zone specific entries); up to 64 sq ft for sale/lease/rent signs for other lots | — | — | — | On the property advertised | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(G) |
| Construction and Development Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft (construction site, all districts except single-family/duplex); up to 64 sq ft; additional rider 2 sq ft; 6 sq ft single family/duplex | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On construction lot | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(D) |
| Non-commercial Flag | Up to 60 ft (flagpole) | Up to 96 sq ft, varies by flagpole height/table | — | — | 3 flagpoles per frontage | — | — | Unlock | 35.4.313(B) |
| Place Marker | — | 3 sq ft (residential); 8 sq ft (agriculture) | — | — | — | Affixed to building generally within 10 ft of entrance | — | Unlock | 35.4.311(E) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Glendale — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Glendale — start freeProhibited Signs in Glendale
- Signs located within, on, or projecting over any public street, right-of-way, or other public property are prohibited except where specifically permitted in this Article.
- Signs emitting sound are prohibited except for signs associated with drive-through or drive-up services.
- Signs with flashing illumination such as strobe or rotating lights and sequenced or similar animated lighting are prohibited, except for Digital Billboard Signs and Electronic Reader Signs with established hold or cycle times.
- Signs mounted, attached, or painted on trailers, boats, or motor vehicles when parked, stored, or displayed to attract public attention are prohibited.
- Pennants, banners, balloons, flags, and similar displays are prohibited except as provided in Sections 35.4.312 and 35.4.313.
- Temporary signs are prohibited except as permitted in Sections 35.4.312 and 35.4.313.
- Billboard Signs and Digital Billboard Signs are prohibited on property located within the Loop 101 Scenic Corridor.
- No sign may be displayed without the consent of the legal owner or authorized agent of the property on which the sign is mounted or displayed, except as required by state law.
- All signs must adhere to applicable building codes and be kept free of defects such as rust, distortion, warping, peeling, or fading.
- Signs on public property, including rights-of-way, are illegal unless permitted and are subject to confiscation by the City.
- Permanent signs shall not encroach into any public right-of-way without proper authorization and permitting.
- No portion of any sign shall extend below eight (8) feet above finished grade above a sidewalk/pedestrian way, or below fourteen (14) feet above a driveway/drive aisle.
- Replacement sign panels must be of the same size and style as originally approved. Unused sign cabinets must be removed or made blank within thirty (30) days of tenant suite vacancy.
- If a wall-mounted sign is removed, the fascia must be repaired to match surrounding texture and color within thirty (30) days.
- General maintenance of all signs is required; unsafe or unsightly signs must be corrected within 60 days of written notice.
- Hazardous signs and public safety hazards must be mitigated within 48 hours.
- Signs shall not interfere with utilities or drainage facilities.
- No portion of any sign may be placed in the sight visibility triangle except permitted traffic control signage.
- Signs may not be regulated solely based on content or viewpoint.
- Signs for the purpose of, or for the effect of, attracting attention through lighting (i.e., lighting not for safety or theme), are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Glendale
- Traffic control and street identification signs, barricades, utility signs, or similar signs erected or maintained by a governmental entity, utility provider, or railroad.
- Signs not visible or not intended to be legible beyond the boundaries of the property, except for public safety provisions in Section 35.4.306(I).
- Signs or monuments protected by state or federal statute.
- Government signs, including public emergency, hazard, or legally mandated warning signs.
- Federal, state, or municipal flags displayed to serve a compelling governmental interest.
- Traffic control and road identification signs.
- Official public notices as required by any public or court officer to satisfy official duties or responsibilities (must be removed by the property owner within 14 days after purpose has been met).
- Address identification numbers.
- Grave markers, headstones, or similar monuments.
- Private holiday and seasonal decorations (displayed for max 30 days before and after event/holiday; must not cause hazard).
- Interior signs not intended to be viewed from outside the building or enclosure.
- Memorials, public monuments, or historical identification signs installed in accordance with regulations.
- Public Art which contains no advertising/commercial messages/logos and not in conjunction with a commercial enterprise.
- Signs associated with local vending, kiosks, ATMs, accepted credit cards, or similar uses.
- Signs for public and quasi-public uses including public parks, recreation facilities, libraries, government buildings, public utility facilities, hospital emergency rooms, and similar uses.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Glendale
- A sign permit is required for most permanent, non-exempt signs prior to erection, placement, construction, alteration, or copy change. Applications must include site address, inventory of existing signs, plans, elevations, and required structural details.
- A Comprehensive Sign Program (CSP) is required for developments seeking deviations from five or more standard sign type requirements, or for additional Digital Billboard Signs as part of a PAD. CSPs must be approved by the Planning Commission after public notice and are subject to findings regarding improved identification, minimization of non-conformity, enhancement of character, and no adverse neighborhood impact.
- Major and minor amendments to an approved Comprehensive Sign Program are subject to review: minor by the Development Services Director, major by the Planning Commission.
- Master sign packages are required and must be approved by the Planning Department for subdivision advertising and directional signage prior to the issuance of any sign permit for such signs.
- Variances for sign standards (deviations from fewer than five sign type regulations or for unique circumstances) must be requested through the Variance process in Section 35.6.209.
- Design Review approval is required for Digital Billboard Signs and all murals, as well as for alternative screening or wall materials.
- A permit is not required for the replacement of a sign panel of the same size and style as the original, or for exempt signs as set forth in Section 35.4.304.
Source: municode municipal code