Sign Regulations in Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona has specific sign regulations covering 41 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Portable Signs - See All Types, Portable Sign, Permanent Sign (Attached or Detached). 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 Mesa, Arizona
Sample Sign Requirements in Mesa
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Permanent) | Limited to below parapet or eave (roof signs not permitted) | — | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent, Detached) | — | — | Must comply with district setbacks; not within right-of-way |
| Portable Sign - Wall Banner | Less than roof or parapet | 32 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MesaFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
41
- Portable Signs - See All Types
- Portable Sign
- Permanent Sign (Attached or Detached)
- Freestanding Sign (Detached)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Mesa
Other Cities in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
In Mesa, wall signs can be up to Limited to below parapet or eave (roof signs not permitted). 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 Mesa, 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 Mesa, regulated sign types include Portable Signs - See All Types, Portable Sign, Permanent Sign (Attached or Detached), Freestanding Sign (Detached), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Mesa, monument signs typically require a Must comply with district setbacks; not within right-of-way setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Mesa are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Mesa has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Mesa, Arizona Sign Rules at a Glance
Mesa, Arizona regulates 41 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Freeway Landmark Monument (LC, GC, PEP, LI, GI only)s in the Neighborhood Commercial District (NC), Limited Commercial District (LC), General Commercial District (GC), Power Center District (PS), Planned Employment Park District (PEP), Light Industrial District (LI), General Industrial District (GI), Heavy Industrial District (HI) zoning district are capped at 60 ft (up to 90 ft with Council modification) tall and 750 sq. ft., with a See additional requirements setback (Sec. 11-43-7). Most commercial signs in Mesa require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Mesa, Arizona
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Mesa (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 14 | 20 ft. | 50% of area deducted from sign allowance if attached within 100 ft of right-of-way, >12 ft tall & >10 ft wide | — |
| Agricultural District (AG) | 2 | 10 ft (attached), 4 ft (detached) | See Table 11-42-2-C: 1 acre or less: aggregate 12 sq ft, max individual 6 sq ft; 1 acre or more: 24 sq ft agg, max 8 sq ft each | — |
| Single Residence District (RS, RSL), Downtown Residential Districts (DR-1, DR-2, DR-3) | 3 | 10 ft (attached); 4 ft (detached) | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Multiple Residence District (RM) | 2 | 8 ft (detached) | 32 sq ft | — |
| Office Commercial District (OC) | 4 | 8 ft | See Table 11-42-2-D: <1 acre: aggr 12 sq ft (12 max), >1<5 acres: aggr 24 (12 max), ≥5 acres: aggr 48 (12 max each) | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial District (NC), Limited Commercial District (LC), General Commercial District (GC), Power Center District (PS), Planned Employment Park District (PEP), Light Industrial District (LI), General Industrial District (GI), Heavy Industrial District (HI) | 6 | 120 sq. ft. sign may be up to 14 ft high; all others max 8 ft. | 750 sq. ft. | — |
| Employment Opportunity District (EO) | 1 | 8 ft most types | 12 sq. ft. max per sign, aggregate 12,24, or 32+ sq ft (see Table 11-42-2-E) | — |
| Downtown Business Districts (DB-1, DB-2), Downtown Core (DC) | 5 | Min 8 ft above sidewalk | 120 sq. ft. | — |
| Mixed Use District (MX), Form-Based Code Transects (T5MS, T6MS, T5MSF, T4MS, T4NF, T4N, T3N, T5N), Commercial Districts with Urban Character Designator (OC-U, NC-U, LC-U, MX-U), Multiple Residence Districts with Urban Character Designator (RM-3U, RM-4U, RM-5U) | 11 | Top no higher than 14 ft; bottom no lower than 8 ft from grade; max length 6 ft. | Max 40 sq. ft. | — |
| Billboard Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Community District (PC), Infill Districts (ID-1, ID-2), Planned Employment Park District (PEP), Employment Opportunity District (EO) | 2 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Mesa(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Sign - Wall Banner | Less than roof or parapet | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | One per occupancy (fabric banner per 11-42-6) | Affixed to wall, building, or fence | — | Unlock | 11-42-3, 11-42-6 |
| Portable Sign - Rigid (A-frame, T-frame, Attached Rigid, Detached Rigid) | 4 ft. (A-frame/T-frame), 8 ft. (Detached Rigid) | 8 sq. ft. (A-frame/T-frame); 32 sq. ft. (Detached Rigid) | — | — | See zone-specific tables | A-frame/T-frame: Atop ground, not penetrating ground. Detached rigid: Affixed to posts/stakes into ground. | — | Unlock | 11-42-3 |
| Portable Sign - Detached Yard (Semi-rigid) | 3 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | See zone-specific tables | Affixed to stakes/posts that penetrate the ground | — | Unlock | 11-42-3 |
| Portable Sign - Fabric (Detached Banners) | 6 ft. | 12 sq. ft. | — | — | See zone-specific tables | Affixed to stake, post, etc. into ground | — | Unlock | 11-42-3, 11-42-6 |
| Portable Sign - Air Activated | 12 ft. | — | — | At least 50 ft from right-of-way | See zone-specific tables | Secured to ground (at least 50 ft from right-of-way) | — | Unlock | 11-42-3, 11-42-6 |
| Portable Sign - Balloon | 20 ft. | — | — | At least 50 ft from right-of-way | See zone-specific tables | Secured to ground (at least 50 ft from right-of-way) | — | Unlock | 11-42-3, 11-42-6 |
| Driveway Sign | 3 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Within 5 feet of a driveway or drive aisle, within 20 feet from future width line of adjacent public street | — | Unlock | 11-50-3 |
| Flag | — | — | Max length of 1/3 of pole height | Flagpole: at least 1/2 required principal building setback | No more than 3 flagpoles per lot; 2 flags per pole | Wall mounted or in-ground flagpoles; setback = at least 1/2 required for principal building | — | Unlock | 11-43-6 |
Neighborhood Commercial District (NC), Limited Commercial District (LC), General Commercial District (GC), Power Center District (PS), Planned Employment Park District (PEP), Light Industrial District (LI), General Industrial District (GI), Heavy Industrial District (HI)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Standard Attached - Option 1) | — | 80–500 sq. ft. aggregate, single sign up to 160 sq. ft. | — | — | 2–7 (see size table above) | — | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-D-1 |
| Wall Sign (Single Occupant Pad under 5,000 sq. ft. - Option 2) | — | 160 sq. ft. aggregate, 80 sq. ft. per sign | No more than 50% of elevation width | — | 4 | — | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-D-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Standard Detached - Option 1) | One sign: 1 ft of height per 10 ft of street frontage; multiple signs: 1 ft of height per 20 ft frontage (max 12 ft); max area per sign 80 sq. ft. | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-D-3 |
| Freestanding Sign (Commercial Use Dev w/ 3+ Tenants, 400+ ft Frontage - Option 2) | 120 sq. ft. sign may be up to 14 ft high; all others max 8 ft. | One sign up to 120 sq. ft.; all others max 50 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 at 120 sq. ft., others max 50 sq. ft. | — | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-D-4 |
| Freeway Landmark Monument (LC, GC, PEP, LI, GI only) | 60 ft (up to 90 ft with Council modification) | 750 sq. ft. | — | See additional requirements | 1-2 (if site large enough); see above for detail | On eligible site (30+ contig. acres, freeway+arterial frontage) | — | Unlock | 11-43-7 |
| Portable Signs - See All Types | 8 ft for rigid/fabric, 12 ft air-activated, 20 ft balloon | See Table 11-42-2-E: ≤2 acres: 12 sq ft agg, >2<5 acres: 24 sq ft, 5+ acres: 32 sq ft plus 12 sq ft/5 acres | — | Min separation: 50 ft (>2<5 acres), 75 ft (5+ acres) | ≤2 acres: 1/street; >2<5: 2/street; 5+: 3+1/5 acres | — | — | Unlock | 11-42-2-E, 11-42-3 |
Mixed Use District (MX), Form-Based Code Transects (T5MS, T6MS, T5MSF, T4MS, T4NF, T4N, T3N, T5N), Commercial Districts with Urban Character Designator (OC-U, NC-U, LC-U, MX-U), Multiple Residence Districts with Urban Character Designator (RM-3U, RM-4U, RM-5U)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Single-Occupancy) (Transect Urban Core Option 1) | — | Max 40 sq. ft. | 50% of building width | — | 1 per street and 1 per alley | 1 per street frontage & 1 per alley (option for wall-mount at colonnade) | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-F |
| Wall Sign (Multi-Occupancy) (Transect Urban Core Option 2) | — | Max 30 sq. ft. | 50% of building width | — | 1 per street and 1 per alley | 1 per street frontage & 1 per alley | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-F |
| Awning Sign (Urban Transect) | — | — | 50% of awning | — | 1 per street, 1 per alley | 1 per street frontage & 1 per alley | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-F |
| Blade Sign | — | — | 60% of blade depth | — | 1 per street | 1 per street frontage | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-F |
| Hanging Sign (Parallel to Street) | Top at canopy ceiling, bottom min 8 ft from grade, max length 10 ft. | 10 sq ft (street), 8 sq ft (alley) | — | — | 1 per street & 1 per alley | Under covered porch/walkway/awning | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-F |
| Hanging Sign (Perpendicular to Building) | Top no higher than 14 ft; bottom no lower than 8 ft from grade; max length 6 ft. | 6 sq. ft. (street), 4 sq. ft. (alley) | — | — | 1 per street & 1 per alley | Under covered porch/walkway/awning | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-F |
| Marquee Sign | — | — | 60% of marquee length | — | 1 per street | Below top of marquee | — | Unlock | 11-43-3-F |
| Portable Sign | 6 ft all types | See Table 11-42-2-G: building width ≤30 ft: 8 sq ft; 31–60: 16 sq ft; 61–90: 24 sq ft; 91+: 32 sq ft aggregate, each sign 8 sq ft (rigid) or 8–24 sq ft (wall banner) | — | See table | 1 to 4 per street, see table | — | — | Unlock | 11-42-2-G, Table 11-42-3 |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Mesa — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Mesa — start freeProhibited Signs in Mesa
- Signs that employ intermittent or flashing illumination, stereopticon, motion picture, rotation or other movement, visible moving parts, or any device creating the optical illusion of motion.
- Signs that emit sound or odor.
- Signs that use strobe lights or similar intermittent light devices, whether separately or as part of a sign or for illumination.
- Discontinued signs.
- Pennants, streamers, and whirligigs.
- Portable Message Center Signs.
- Reflective signs.
- Animated signs.
- Any sign that is structurally unsafe, unsafely installed, or otherwise hazardous to physical safety.
- Signs not authorized by the property owner.
- Signs located within the right-of-way (except where specifically provided).
- Signs that do not comply with the location, size, or use restrictions of the Sign Ordinance.
- Signs preventing or inhibiting free ingress or egress from any door, window, entry, exit, fire escape, building, or site as required by the Mesa Building Code or Fire Code.
- Signs attached to any public utility pole or structure, streetlight, tree, fence, fire hydrant, bridge, curb, sidewalk, park bench, bus bay, or other location on public property.
- Signs that obstruct the view of any traffic sign, signal, or other traffic-control device, or of a vehicle operator entering, exiting, or traveling upon the right-of-way.
- Signs that by way of shape, color, or position are confused with any authorized traffic-control or public directional sign.
- Signs not maintained pursuant to maintenance requirements.
- Flash, blinking, or rotating lights as illumination for signs.
- Metal halide lighting, high or low-pressure sodium light bulbs, and mercury vapor light sources as illumination for signs.
- Illuminated signs placed or constructed on a vacant or undeveloped lot.
- Illumination source for a sign that is directly visible from any adjacent residential use or from a public thoroughfare.
- Signs placed within, on, or projecting over the right-of-way, unless within the Downtown Pedestrian Area as defined.
- Signs on public property.
- Signs that interfere with pedestrian movement or obstruct ADA access.
- Signs obstructing visibility of any authorized traffic sign, signal, or other traffic control device.
- Signs affixed to fuel tanks, storage containers, or solid waste receptacles (except those required by law).
- Signs affixed to trees, shrubs, posts, fences, ladders, benches, or similar supports if visible from across the property boundary or from the right-of-way.
- Signs preventing ingress or egress from any window, door, or exit-way required by code.
- Signs covering architectural features of a building (e.g., dormers, insignias, pilasters, soffits, transoms, trims, columns, etc.).
- Signs placed on the roof of a building or extending higher than the highest point of the portion of the building to which attached.
- Signs attached to a standpipe, gutter, drain, fire escape, or impairing roof access.
- Signs located contrary to standards of horizontal and vertical clearance from electrical wires as per code.
- Animated, video, flashing, blinking, or moving lights for electronic message panels or displays.
- Nonfunctional or damaged signs that constitute a danger or hazard to public safety or visual blight.
- Any sign constructed, placed, installed, altered, changed, maintained, or used contrary to or in violation of any provision of the Sign Ordinance or permit conditions.
Exempt Signs in Mesa
- Address numbers as required by the Mesa Fire Code.
- Government Signs.
- Traffic Control Signs, Markings, and Devices.
- Signs authorized by Arizona Revised Statutes.
- Public Transportation Signs.
- Signs specified as mandatory by any provision of the Mesa City Code.
- Flags do not require a sign permit.
- Change in sign face (with no structural or electrical changes) does not require a permit.
- All signs six (6) square feet or less in area and not otherwise prohibited do not require a permit.
- Unilluminated portable signs thirty-two (32) square feet or less in area, and specifically listed as permitted by Chapter 42, do not require a permit.
- Standard sign maintenance does not require a permit.
- Relocation of a sign when required as an action of the City or other governmental agency does not require a permit.
- Window signs do not require a permit.
- Vehicle signs do not require a permit.
- Noncommercial messages may be substituted for any message on an otherwise allowed sign.
- Signs restored and designated as historic (meeting criteria) are exempt from height and size requirements, are counted as legal/conforming, and are not counted toward the sign area or height allowed on the property.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Mesa
- All signs must be reviewed and considered as part of sign plans and permits (Section 11-41-2-A).
- A comprehensive sign plan may be required for certain developments; approved comprehensive sign plans may modify standards (Section 11-46-3).
- A comprehensive sign plan is required for signs located on the upper story of a building when the building exceeds two (2) stories in height in DB-1, DB-2, and DC zoning districts.
- ID, PC, and EO districts may require or are governed by an adopted comprehensive sign plan or community plan approved in accordance with Section 11-45-3.
- Adopted sign plans remain in effect and control over conflicting ordinance standards for signs previously approved, unless specifically modified.
- Sign permits are required for signs except those explicitly exempted by the ordinance; permit applications must demonstrate conformance with approved plans.
- Administrative Use Permits (AUP), Special Use Permits (SUP), Council Use Permits (CUP), or Variances may be required as specified (Section 11-46-1).
- Freeway Landmark Monuments require recommendation by the Design Review Board, Planning and Zoning Board, approval and issuance of a Council Use Permit, and subsequent issuance of a sign permit.
- Certain portable signs in the Downtown Pedestrian Area require an Administrative Use Permit and encroachment permit.
- Fabric signs for certain occupancies require an Administrative Use Permit or a Temporary Use Permit.
- Modification of development standards for Freeway Landmark Monuments or signs under a comprehensive sign plan may require special applications and findings.
Source: municode municipal code