Sign Regulations in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona has specific sign regulations covering 34 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Directional Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Phoenix, Arizona
Sample Sign Requirements in Phoenix
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 3 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — |
| Window Sign | — | 30% of each ground floor window area | — |
| Political Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for PhoenixFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
34
- Wall Sign
- Ground Sign
- Directional Sign
- Window Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
13
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Phoenix
Other Cities in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Phoenix vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Directional Sign, Window 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Phoenix has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Phoenix, Arizona Sign Rules at a Glance
Phoenix, Arizona regulates 34 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Single-family Residential (S-1, S-2, RE-43, RE-35, RE-24, R1-18, R1-14, R1-10, R1-8, R1-6, R-2, P.A.D.-1, P.A.D.-2, P.A.D.-3, P.A.D.-4, P.A.D.-5, P.A.D.-6, P.A.D.-7, P.A.D.-8, P.A.D.-9, P.A.D.-10, P.A.D.-11) zoning district are capped at 5 ft. (8 ft. with design review) tall and 16 sq. ft., with a Ground signs may be located at the property line or 2 ft from the back of a curb or sidewalk, whichever is greater. Signs exceeding 8 ft in height must be set back from any building/structure by at least the width of the sign at its widest point (§705.D.2.f, §705.D.2.g). setback (Sec. 705.D.1 Table D-1). Most commercial signs in Phoenix require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Phoenix, Arizona
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Phoenix (13 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | 36 in. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| Single-family Residential (S-1, S-2, RE-43, RE-35, RE-24, R1-18, R1-14, R1-10, R1-8, R1-6, R-2, P.A.D.-1, P.A.D.-2, P.A.D.-3, P.A.D.-4, P.A.D.-5, P.A.D.-6, P.A.D.-7, P.A.D.-8, P.A.D.-9, P.A.D.-10, P.A.D.-11) | 4 | 15 ft. | 600 sq. ft. total; 300 sq. ft. per sign | — |
| Multiple-family Residential (R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, R-5, P.A.D.-12, P.A.D.-13, P.A.D.-14, P.A.D.-15) | 2 | 15 ft. | 120 sq. ft. | — |
| Nonresidential activity in Residential District (R-O, S-1, S-2, RE-43, RE-35, RE-24, R1-18, R1-14, R1-10, R1-8, R1-6, R-2, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, R-5, P.A.D.-1, P.A.D.-2, P.A.D.-3, P.A.D.-4, P.A.D.-5, P.A.D.-6, P.A.D.-7, P.A.D.-8, P.A.D.-9, P.A.D.-10, P.A.D.-11, P.A.D.-12, P.A.D.-13, P.A.D.-14, P.A.D.-15) | 2 | 15 ft. | 120 sq. ft. | — |
| Commercial Land Use (C-O, C-1, C-2, C-3, PSC, RSC, Commerce Park, A-1, A-2, Resort, P-1, P-2) | 6 | 35 ft. (48 ft. with design review) | 500 sq. ft. | — |
| A-1, A-2 | 2 | 35 ft. (48 ft. w/design review) | 500 sq. ft. | — |
| The Historic Canal-Side Restaurant Overlay District | 1 | No higher than 1/2 sign height below roofline | Up to 50 sq ft (min 20 sq ft) | — |
| Airport Noise Impact Overlay (AIO) District, Deer Valley Airport Overlay (DVAO) District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Baseline Area Overlay District | 2 | 6 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Arcadia Camelback Special Planning District Camelback Road Overlay District | 1 | 5/8 ft (ground sign) or as code | 16 sq ft (subdivision id) or as per base zone | — |
| Desert Character Overlay Districts (Desert Maintenance Overlay Sub-Districts A and B, Rural Desert Overlay, Suburban Desert Overlay) | 1 | 5/8 ft typical (as of right/design review) | 16/32 sq ft typical (as Table D-1 for residential) | — |
| North Black Canyon Overlay District | 1 | 8 ft monument (all but freeway); 16 ft for freeway with monument/base | Up to 40 sq ft monument, 16 ft highway/freeway; area is function of base zoning and sign plan | — |
| Rio Salado Interim Overlay (RSIO) District, Central City South Interim Overlay (CCSIO) District, FH-Flood Hazard and Erosion Management District, Planned Shopping Center Overlay District, Four Corners Overlay District, South Phoenix Village and Target Area B Design Overlay, Interim Transit-Oriented Zoning Overlay District One (TOD-1), Interim Transit-Oriented Zoning Overlay District Two (TOD-2), North Central Avenue Special Planning District (SPD) Overlay District, Seventh Avenue Urban Main Street Overlay (SAUMSO) District, East Buckeye Road Overlay (EBRO) District, Arts, Culture and Small Business Overlay (ACOD) District, Planned Unit Development (PUD), Hatcher Road Overlay (HRO) District | 2 | Typically 6–8 ft, overlays may reduce to 5 ft or less | Up to 60 sq ft (unless overlay stricter); often 40 sq ft or less | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Phoenix(sample of 3 of 13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 3 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | Maximum 2 per driveway entrance | No more than 2 per driveway entrance; unlimited interior to a site if no business ID. | — | Unlock | 705.D.4 |
| Window Sign | — | 30% of each ground floor window area | — | — | — | Windows (not glass doors) | — | Unlock | 705.D.5 |
| Temporary Construction Sign - Residential | 12 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street front | 1 per street front | — | Unlock | 705.D.8 |
| Temporary Construction Sign - Nonresidential | 12 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street front | 1 per street front | — | Unlock | 705.D.8 |
| Temporary Property Sale/Lease/Rental Sign - Residential | 12 ft. | 6 sq. ft. (<10 acres); 16 sq. ft. (>10 acres) | — | — | 1 per 300 ft. | 1 per 300 ft. of street front | — | Unlock | 705.D.8 |
| Temporary Property Sale/Lease/Rental Sign - Nonresidential | 12 ft. | 32 sq. ft. (<10 acres); 100 sq. ft. (>10 acres) | — | — | 1 per 300 ft. | 1 per 300 ft. of street front | — | Unlock | 705.D.8 |
| Nameplate/Street Address Sign (Residential) | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street front per use | 1 per street front per use | — | Unlock | 705.B.2.j |
| Barber Pole | 36 in. | — | 10 in. | — | — | Directly to exterior wall of barber business | — | Unlock | 705.B.2.s |
Single-family Residential (S-1, S-2, RE-43, RE-35, RE-24, R1-18, R1-14, R1-10, R1-8, R1-6, R-2, P.A.D.-1, P.A.D.-2, P.A.D.-3, P.A.D.-4, P.A.D.-5, P.A.D.-6, P.A.D.-7, P.A.D.-8, P.A.D.-9, P.A.D.-10, P.A.D.-11)
| 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 | 15 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 705.D.1 Table D-1 |
| Ground Sign | 5 ft. (8 ft. with design review) | 16 sq. ft. | — | Ground signs may be located at the property line or 2 ft from the back of a curb or sidewalk, whichever is greater. Signs exceeding 8 ft in height must be set back from any building/structure by at least the width of the sign at its widest point (§705.D.2.f, §705.D.2.g). | Max 12 per parcel | At entrance; in front/side yard of corner lot (adjacent to street) | — | Unlock | 705.D.1 Table D-1 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign | 8 ft. with design review (otherwise 5 ft.) | — | — | — | 2 per entrance | At subdivision entrance | — | Unlock | 705.D.1 Table D-1 (Footnote 2, 3) |
| Subdivision Sale Sign | — | 600 sq. ft. total; 300 sq. ft. per sign | — | — | Max one per street frontage | Within subdivision to which refers | — | Unlock | 705.D.9.a(2)-(3) |
Commercial Land Use (C-O, C-1, C-2, C-3, PSC, RSC, Commerce Park, A-1, A-2, Resort, P-1, P-2)
| 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 (Primary) | 25 ft. or no closer to roofline than one-half vertical dimension of sign | 500 sq. ft. | — | — | No max, limited by permitted area | Facade | — | Unlock | 705.D.1 Table D-1; 705.D.3 |
| Ground Sign (Primary - Freeway Frontage) | 35 ft. (48 ft. with design review) | 200 sq. ft. | — | Ground signs may be located at the property line or 2 ft from the back of a curb or sidewalk, whichever is greater. Signs exceeding 8 ft in height must be set back from any building/structure by at least the width of the sign at its widest point (§705.D.2.f, §705.D.2.g). | 1 per 300 ft. street frontage (min 1) | Freeway frontage | — | Unlock | 705.D.1 Table D-1; Footnote 5 |
| Ground Sign (Primary - High Volume Street) | 16 ft. (20 ft. w/design review) | 110 sq. ft. (150 sq. ft. w/design review) | — | Ground signs may be located at the property line or 2 ft from the back of a curb or sidewalk, whichever is greater. Signs exceeding 8 ft in height must be set back from any building/structure by at least the width of the sign at its widest point (§705.D.2.f, §705.D.2.g). | 1 per 300 ft. street frontage | On high volume street | — | Unlock | 705.D.1 Table D-1 |
| Ground Sign (Primary - Low Volume Street) | 12 ft. (15 ft. w/design review) | 80 sq. ft. (110 sq. ft. w/design review) | — | Ground signs may be located at the property line or 2 ft from the back of a curb or sidewalk, whichever is greater. Signs exceeding 8 ft in height must be set back from any building/structure by at least the width of the sign at its widest point (§705.D.2.f, §705.D.2.g). | 1 per 300 ft. street frontage | On low volume street | — | Unlock | 705.D.1 Table D-1 |
| Ground Sign (Secondary - High Volume Street) | 12 ft. (15 ft. w/design review) | 80 sq. ft. (110 sq. ft. w/design review) | — | Ground signs may be located at the property line or 2 ft from the back of a curb or sidewalk, whichever is greater. Signs exceeding 8 ft in height must be set back from any building/structure by at least the width of the sign at its widest point (§705.D.2.f, §705.D.2.g). | 1 per 150 ft. frontage, less number of primary signs | On high volume street | — | Unlock | 705.D.1 Table D-1 |
| Ground Sign (Secondary - Low Volume Street) | 10 ft. | 60 sq. ft. (80 sq. ft. w/design review) | — | Ground signs may be located at the property line or 2 ft from the back of a curb or sidewalk, whichever is greater. Signs exceeding 8 ft in height must be set back from any building/structure by at least the width of the sign at its widest point (§705.D.2.f, §705.D.2.g). | 1 per 150 ft. frontage, less primary | On low volume street | — | Unlock | 705.D.1 Table D-1 |
PermitPal covers all 13 zoning districts in Phoenix — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 13 zones for Phoenix — start freeProhibited Signs in Phoenix
- No sign shall occupy or project into public right-of-way, except as specifically allowed (e.g., wall signs projecting up to eighteen inches if at least eight feet above grade).
- No sign shall be lower than eight feet above grade when projecting.
- No sign shall pose a traffic hazard, including obstructing or confusing traffic signals, using flashing lights similar to emergency vehicles, or creating unsafe distractions.
- Signs mounted on or erected on vehicles/equipment as static displays or used primarily for advertising are prohibited.
- No sign shall interfere with visibility at street intersections or driveways between three and ten feet in height within the required visibility triangle.
- No sign shall project above the roofline or be erected upon the roof of any building, unless otherwise provided.
- Portable ground signs, including A-frame signs, are prohibited unless specifically permitted elsewhere in the ordinance.
- Signs for home occupations are prohibited.
- Only pedestrian signs are allowed on glass doors.
- No sign shall be animated or contain the optical illusion of movement, except where expressly permitted and by use permit.
- Illumination exceeding 150 watts per sign face or within 60 feet of single-family residential use unless not oriented to residential or a use permit is obtained; no flashing, blinking, rotating lights, or mercury vapor lamps are permitted.
- No sign shall be erected to block ingress/egress of doors, windows, or required exits.
- No sign shall be attached to a standpipe, gutter, drain, or fire escape or impair roof access.
- No sign shall emit sound intended to attract attention beyond the lot or create a public nuisance.
- Signs, except noncommercial signs, must be appurtenant to a permitted use of the property.
- No sign or group of signs exceeding four square feet shall be erected on a pole, light standard, etc., unless it is structurally designed for such use or can be demonstrated to support the load.
- Flashing, blinking, or rotating lights are prohibited for both permanent and temporary signs.
- Vehicle-mounted portable ground signs are prohibited.
- Signs that break the silhouette of a building (i.e., wall signs exceeding the roofline) are not permitted.
- No sign shall prevent necessary egress from exits required by code or fire regulations.
- No sign shall use the words 'stop', 'warning', 'danger', 'turn', or similar language that could mislead or confuse drivers.
- No sign shall be maintained in deteriorated or unsafe condition—violation requires total removal.
Exempt Signs in Phoenix
- Traffic signs and other signs erected or maintained by a governmental body.
- Warning signs not over six square feet in area.
- Advertising in the public right-of-way and on private property adjacent to the public right-of-way erected under Section 3-8(b) (regarding temporary provisional signs, posters, banners, etc.).
- Signs not visible from public streets or from one property to another; also, directional or locational signs visible from a public street solely for on-site information.
- Flags, pennants, or insignia of any nation, state, county, city, or church/religious organization (limited to one flag each per entity per location; but individual flags of multiple entities are allowed).
- Tablets, grave markers, headstones, statuary, or remembrances of noncommercial nature, and memorials or cornerstones built into walls.
- Works of fine art not displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise and from which no direct commercial gain is received.
- Temporary decorations or displays celebrating traditionally accepted patriotic or religious holidays.
- Signs on vehicles or equipment if: (1) primary purpose is not advertising; (2) signs are magnetic, decals, or painted as part of original design and do not break silhouette; (3) vehicle is operational, licensed, and used daily in the business; (4) vehicle is not used solely as a static display or storage; (5) during inactivity exceeding 48 hours, vehicles are not parked to display the sign.
- Temporary window signs (as per Section 705.D.5).
- Political signs up to 32 square feet, provided contact information is filed with Planning and Development and signs are removed within ten days after the election.
- Temporary signs for events of a general City-wide civic or public benefit nature covered by Section 3-8 of the Municipal Code.
- Nameplates and street address signs (up to 2 square feet for residential, 6 for commercial/industrial, no advertising copy, limited number per street frontage).
- Religious outdoor fund solicitation signs (one per street front, max eight square feet).
- Address directories required by the Fire Marshal.
- Changing copy on a legal sign, bulletin board, display encasement, or marquee; maintenance where no structural changes are made; or changing interchangeable letters on signs designed for them (subject to notification if repainting/removal >50% of copy).
- Temporary, nonilluminated real estate signs not more than six square feet, advertising sale or rental of premises where sign is located.
- Temporary, nonilluminated signs not over sixteen square feet on construction sites, identifying project participants and proposed use.
- Bulletin boards for churches or charities up to 32 square feet or district maximum, whichever is less.
- Business name or logo on fuel pumps.
- Barber poles appurtenant to the barber business, affixed to the building, no taller than 36 inches or wider than ten inches (requests to deviate require a use permit).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Phoenix
- Wall signs over fifty-six feet in height require comprehensive sign plan approval, are limited to two identification signs per building unless increased through Section 506.83, and must comply with special visibility/illumination criteria.
- Direction/informational signs exceeding permitted content require approval of a comprehensive sign plan.
- Wall signs that exceed roofline height or are placed on the slope of a peaked roof require design review for integration with the building's architecture.
- Wall signs painted directly onto walls require design review approval.
- Comprehensive sign plans may be approved via use permit for commercial or industrial uses, industrial centers, hospitals, planned community districts, multiple-family developments with a residential convenience market, or as mandated by zoning stipulations. The application requires site plan, sign locations, standards for size/materials/illumination, and a narrative of common sign themes.
- Comprehensive sign plans are evaluated on placement, quantity, size, materials, illumination, and context.
- Amendments to comprehensive sign plans (minor or otherwise) require administrative or full application review and must comply with original sign plan limitations.
- Some height/area increases for ground signs require design review.
- Requests to exceed sign number limits or size for wall signs over fifty-six feet in height require comprehensive sign plan and/or variance as detailed in Section 506.83.
- Community sign districts (with multiple parcels or business areas) require a use permit and a plan similar to a comprehensive sign plan (site plan, standards, owner petition, etc.).
- Design review may trigger enforced reduction of nonconforming sign height/area.
- Permit applications for large or structurally-complex signs (e.g., wall signs over 100 square feet, roof/canopy/marquee/ground signs over specified thresholds) require sealed engineering plans.
- A use permit is required for banners, balloons, flags, and similar devices otherwise prohibited, when used for special promotional events or business identification in some districts.
- Off-premise signs require a sign permit in accordance with Section 705.B, and permits for digital conversion require use permit and may require removal of nonconforming signs elsewhere as a condition.
- For groundsheet signs, structural plan approvals and permits must be obtained prior to sign installation.
- Landscape plans are required with off-premise sign permit applications when landscape is required.
Source: other municipal code