Sign Regulations in Show Low, Arizona
Show Low, Arizona has specific sign regulations covering 47 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Semi-Trailer Sign (Subdivision Identification), Subdivision Sale Sign, Subdivision Identification Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Show Low, Arizona
Sample Sign Requirements in Show Low
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Trailer Sign (Subdivision Identification) | — | 450 sq ft (maximum) | — |
| Subdivision Sale Sign | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | 40 sq ft per sign | Comply with visibility triangle and walkway/drive clearance in 19.100.070(K). |
| Subdivision Identification Sign | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | 48 sq ft per sign | Comply with visibility triangle and walkway/drive clearance in 19.100.070(K). |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Show LowFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
47
- Semi-Trailer Sign (Subdivision Identification)
- Subdivision Sale Sign
- Subdivision Identification Sign
- Apartment House Identification Sign - Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Show Low
Other Cities in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Show Low 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 Show Low, 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 Show Low, regulated sign types include Semi-Trailer Sign (Subdivision Identification), Subdivision Sale Sign, Subdivision Identification Sign, Apartment House Identification Sign - Wall 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 Show Low 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 Show Low are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Show Low has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Show Low Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Show Low, Arizona sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Show Low, Arizona Sign Rules at a Glance
Show Low, Arizona regulates 47 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Portable Sign (On-Site; Sandwich/A-frame type)s in the Commercial and Industrial Zones (DC, C-1, C-2, I-1, I-2) zoning district are capped at 3 ft (maximum height) tall, 2 ft wide by 3 ft high (maximum), and 2 ft (maximum width) wide, with a Not within right-of-way; observe 2 ft sidewalk clearance per general rules where applicable. setback (Sec. 19.100.120(L)(1)-(13); 19.100.040(A)). Most commercial signs in Show Low require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Show Low, Arizona
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Show Low (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 21 | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | 450 sq ft (maximum) | — |
| Agricultural, Residential, and Manufactured Home Zoning Districts (GA-5, AR-43, AR-43X, R1-20, R1-15, R1-10, R1-7, R1-7X, R2-7, MH) | 6 | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | 40 sq ft (maximum) | — |
| Commercial and Industrial Zones (DC, C-1, C-2, I-1, I-2) | 18 | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | Total sign area: 80 sq ft if building frontage ≤55 linear ft; otherwise 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage; absolute maximum total sign area per building: 200 sq ft. | — |
| Commercial and Industrial Zones (Electronic Message Displays) (DC, C-2, I-1, I-2) | 2 | Subject to applicable sign height limits (e.g., 15 ft for freestanding in commercial/industrial) | Subject to sign size limitations otherwise applicable for the site (e.g., freestanding sign area rules) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Show Low(sample of 3 of 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Sale Sign | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | 40 sq ft per sign | — | Comply with visibility triangle and walkway/drive clearance in 19.100.070(K). | Max 1 per street frontage; max 2 signs per subdivision | One per street frontage (max 2 per subdivision) at least 200 ft apart. | — | Unlock | 19.100.070(G) |
| Subdivision Identification Sign | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | 48 sq ft per sign | — | Comply with visibility triangle and walkway/drive clearance in 19.100.070(K). | 1 per entrance side | One sign may be erected on each side of any entrance to a subdivision. | — | Unlock | 19.100.070(H) |
| Apartment House Identification Sign - Wall Sign | Cannot project above top eave line (see 19.100.070(K) for clearances) | 40 sq ft per street frontage | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On apartment complex building; per street frontage. | — | Unlock | 19.100.070(I); 19.100.040(A) |
| Apartment House Identification Sign - Monument Sign | 4 ft maximum height (monument) | 40 sq ft per street frontage | — | See 19.100.070(K) for visibility triangle and clearances. | 1 per street frontage | On apartment complex site; per street frontage. | — | Unlock | 19.100.070(I); 19.100.040(A) |
| Entrance or Exit Sign (Directional) | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | 2 sq ft per sign | — | Comply with visibility triangle; no sign between 3–7 ft within 25 ft of street/drive; clearances over walkways/drives per 19.100.070(K). | 2 per entrance | At each entrance to a property/business. | — | Unlock | 19.100.070(J); 19.100.040(A)(5) |
| Off-Site Business Sign (Conditional Use Permit when Directory Sign Unavailable) | — | 4 sq ft (maximum) | — | — | Max 2 per property | Off-site sign for a business not located adjacent to a state highway, when directory sign is not available. | — | Unlock | 19.100.060(B)(7)(a) |
| Temporary Merchant Sign - Banner | — | 32 sq ft (one banner allowed) | — | — | 1 banner per temporary merchant | On-site; not within a right-of-way or within 2 ft of a sidewalk; not attached to light poles, street poles, signal poles, electric boxes, trees, or similar structures. | — | Unlock | 19.100.100(B)-(E) |
| Temporary Merchant Sign - Portable On-Site | — | 2 ft by 3 ft (one portable sign allowed) | — | — | 1 portable sign per temporary merchant | On-site; not within a right-of-way or within 2 ft of a sidewalk; not attached to poles/equipment/trees. | — | Unlock | 19.100.100(B)-(E) |
Agricultural, Residential, and Manufactured Home Zoning Districts (GA-5, AR-43, AR-43X, R1-20, R1-15, R1-10, R1-7, R1-7X, R2-7, MH)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Sign (GA-5) | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | 4 sq ft (maximum per sign) | — | Comply with 10 ft setback from abutting lot for freestanding/projecting/canopy signs (19.100.070(L)) and visibility triangle rules (19.100.070(K)). | 1 per street frontage per permitted business | Per street frontage for each professional office or permitted business in GA-5. | — | Unlock | 19.100.080(A); 19.100.040(A) |
| Business Sign (Other Agricultural/Residential/MH - Home Occupation) | See 19.100.070(K) visibility triangle and clearance rules | — | — | Comply with 10 ft setback (19.100.070(L)) and visibility triangle rules (19.100.070(K)). | As allowed by home occupation requirements | Per street frontage in agricultural, residential, and MH zones other than GA-5. | — | Unlock | 19.100.080(A); 19.100.040(A) |
| Property Sale/Rental/Lease Sign (Individual Residential Lot) | See 19.100.070(K); and 12 ft maximum if freestanding (per 19.100.080(C)) | 6 sq ft total per street frontage | — | Comply with visibility triangle rules (19.100.070(K)). | 1 per street frontage | On the property to which the sign refers; allowed for each street frontage. | — | Unlock | 19.100.080(B); 19.100.040(A)(3); 19.100.070(K); 19.100.080(C) |
| Property Sale/Rental/Lease Sign (Undeveloped Residential Property >5 Acres) | See 19.100.070(K); and 12 ft maximum if freestanding (per 19.100.080(C)) | 40 sq ft (maximum) | — | Comply with visibility triangle rules (19.100.070(K)). | 1 per street frontage | On undeveloped residentially zoned property greater than 5 acres. | — | Unlock | 19.100.080(B); 19.100.040(A)(3); 19.100.070(K); 19.100.080(C) |
| Height Limits (Residential/Agricultural/MH) | Freestanding signs: 12 ft maximum height. Wall/projecting/canopy signs: may not project above the top eave line of the building. | — | — | — | — | Any sign in agricultural, residential, and MH zoning districts. | — | Unlock | 19.100.080(C); 19.100.070(K) |
| On-Site Signs (Charitable/Fraternal/Religious Organizations in Residential Zones) | See 19.100.070(K); and 12 ft maximum if freestanding (per 19.100.080(C)) | Total area of both signs may not exceed 32 sq ft | — | Comply with visibility triangle rules (19.100.070(K)) and 10 ft setback for freestanding/projecting/canopy signs (19.100.070(L)). | Max 2 signs total | On-site for charitable, fraternal, or religious organizations located within residential zoning districts. | — | Unlock | 19.100.070(E); 19.100.080(C); 19.100.040(A) |
Commercial and Industrial Zones (DC, C-1, C-2, I-1, I-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Sign Allowance (Non-Shopping Center Premises) | Freestanding signs: 15 ft maximum height. Attached signs: cannot project above top eave line. | Total sign area: 80 sq ft if building frontage ≤55 linear ft; otherwise 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage; absolute maximum total sign area per building: 200 sq ft. | — | 10 ft minimum from any abutting lot for freestanding/projecting/canopy signs (19.100.070(L)); comply with visibility triangle/clearances (19.100.070(K)). | Max 3 signs per street frontage; max 4 when building has more than one street frontage; max 1 freestanding sign per street frontage (max 2 freestanding signs per site) | Per street frontage; one freestanding sign permitted per street frontage within total allowed number of signs; max 2 freestanding signs on any one site. | — | Unlock | 19.100.120(A)-(B); 19.100.020 (Sign area definition and embellishment) |
| Freestanding Sign (Speed 0–35 mph) | 15 ft (maximum) | 40 sq ft (maximum sign area per sign) | — | 10 ft minimum from any abutting lot (19.100.070(L)); comply with visibility triangle/clearances (19.100.070(K)). | As allowed under 19.100.120(A) | On commercial/industrial site; may be within parking area but must include suitable barrier and/or landscaping to prevent vehicle contact. | — | Unlock | 19.100.120(C)-(B); 19.100.070(D); 19.100.020 (Sign area definition) |
| Freestanding Sign (Speed ≥36 mph) | 15 ft (maximum) | 50 sq ft (maximum sign area per sign) | — | 10 ft minimum from any abutting lot (19.100.070(L)); comply with visibility triangle/clearances (19.100.070(K)). | As allowed under 19.100.120(A) | On commercial/industrial site; may be within parking area but must include suitable barrier and/or landscaping to prevent vehicle contact. | — | Unlock | 19.100.120(C)-(B); 19.100.070(D); 19.100.020 (Sign area definition) |
| Monument Sign ≤6 ft (Speed 0–35 mph) | 6 ft (maximum, monument) | 46 sq ft (maximum sign area including base and embellishment) | — | 10 ft minimum from any abutting lot (19.100.070(L)); comply with visibility triangle/clearances (19.100.070(K)). | As allowed under 19.100.120(A) | On commercial/industrial site. | — | Unlock | 19.100.120(D)-(C); 19.100.020 (Sign area definition) |
| Monument Sign ≤6 ft (Speed ≥36 mph) | 6 ft (maximum, monument) | 57.5 sq ft (maximum sign area including base and embellishment) | — | 10 ft minimum from any abutting lot (19.100.070(L)); comply with visibility triangle/clearances (19.100.070(K)). | As allowed under 19.100.120(A) | On commercial/industrial site. | — | Unlock | 19.100.120(D)-(C); 19.100.020 (Sign area definition) |
| Projecting Sign - Option in Lieu of Freestanding (Horizontal Projecting) | Minimum 7 ft vertical clearance above any sidewalk/walkway/parking lot; may not extend above eave line. | 12 sq ft (maximum) | — | Comply with 19.100.070(K) clearances; 10 ft setback from abutting lots applies to projecting signs (19.100.070(L)). | Max 1 per occupancy per street frontage | One per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance; may not project over property lines. | — | Unlock | 19.100.120(J)(2); 19.100.120(J) introductory clause |
| Portable Sign (On-Site; Sandwich/A-frame type) | 3 ft (maximum height) | 2 ft wide by 3 ft high (maximum) | 2 ft (maximum width) | Not within right-of-way; observe 2 ft sidewalk clearance per general rules where applicable. | Max 1 per business | On the property to which it refers; not in a public right-of-way; no more than 20 ft from the business. | — | Unlock | 19.100.120(L)(1)-(13); 19.100.040(A) |
| Shopping Center Freestanding Sign (First per Street Frontage) | 15 ft (maximum, per general freestanding limits) | 80 sq ft (maximum per sign) | — | Comply with 10 ft setback from abutting lots (19.100.070(L)) and visibility triangle/clearances (19.100.070(K)). | Max 1 per street frontage (first sign) | Per street frontage of shopping center lot. | — | Unlock | 19.100.120(E)(1); 19.100.070(K); 19.100.120(B) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Show Low — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Show Low — start freeProhibited Signs in Show Low
- Signs may not project over a property line or be located within any public or private street, highway, alley, lane, parkway, avenue, road, sidewalk, or other right-of-way, except as otherwise provided.
- No sign may be attached to any public utility pole or structure, street light, tree, fence, fire hydrant, bridge, curb, sidewalk, park bench, or other location on public property, except as provided.
- Signs are prohibited if placed so as to obstruct the view of, or be confused with, authorized traffic signs, signals, or other traffic control devices.
- Signs may not be placed so as to prevent or inhibit egress from any door, window, or exit way required by the International Building Code or International Fire Code.
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, smoke, steam, laser or hologram lights, other visible matter, or employ motion picture projection are prohibited.
- Nonconforming fixed aerial displays are prohibited.
- Off-site signs are prohibited except for city-established directory signs and limited cases allowed by conditional use permit or as otherwise provided.
- Portable signs and attention-attracting devices (including sandwich boards, A-frames, tire rim signs, vehicles used as sign structures, strings of lights formed as products/arrows, commercial flags, or any commercial message) are prohibited except where expressly allowed by this chapter.
- Any sign mounted, attached, or painted on a trailer, boat, or motor vehicle that is parked, stored, or displayed conspicuously to advertise is prohibited; this excludes adhesive/painted/magnetic business signs on vehicles regularly and consistently used to conduct normal business activities.
- Unauthorized signs attached to existing signs, outdoor light poles, or other structures are prohibited.
- No sign may be attached to a tree or other natural object.
- Business signs are prohibited in agricultural, residential, and manufactured home zones except as specifically allowed in this chapter.
- Signs with movement of the sign body (e.g., rotating, moving up and down, or other changes in position of the sign body or segments) are prohibited.
- Vehicle-mounted signs are prohibited when the vehicle lacks a current license plate, is inoperable, is unlawfully parked/on blocks/parked contrary to the site’s parking design, or is not used for business activities associated with the property or the product/service designated by the vehicle sign.
- Only government signs may be supported by a public building or structure or be located in a public right-of-way; private signs in the right-of-way are prohibited except for political signs placed per code subsection 19.100.070(N).
- Within 25 feet of a street and 25 feet of a driveway (site-visibility triangle) or within 2 feet of a sidewalk, no sign may be placed between 3 feet and 7 feet above the adjacent grade; minimum clearances are 7 feet over private walkways and 14 feet over driveways.
- No freestanding, projecting, or canopy sign may be located closer than 10 feet from any abutting lot.
- Lighting for signs may not create glare or reflections into residences or into streets/alleys/driveways that create traffic hazards; exposed neon/freon/incandescent illumination below 10 feet above grade must be shielded.
- Political signs may not be placed in hazardous locations, may not obstruct clear vision or ADA requirements, and may not be placed on power or telephone poles.
Exempt Signs in Show Low
- Governmental signs required by law (e.g., traffic signs, warning signs, temporary notification signs, no trespassing) are exempt from this chapter’s applicability.
- Public utility signs placed for public safety, welfare, or convenience (e.g., high voltage, public telephone, underground cable identification) are exempt from this chapter’s applicability.
- Vehicle signs on vehicles are exempt from this chapter’s applicability, provided vehicles with a sign face over 2 square feet are not conspicuously parked to function as a sign; bona fide delivery and vehicular uses are not restricted.
- No sign permit is required for nameplate and address signs allowed in residential zones.
- No sign permit is required for repainting or maintenance of signs where there is no change in size or shape (changes in wording or color are allowed without a permit).
- No sign permit is required for property for sale, rental, or lease signs.
- No sign permit is required for temporary construction signs.
- No sign permit is required for directional signs allowed by the chapter.
- No sign permit is required for dedication plaques (nonilluminated names/dates/monument citations) integral to a permitted structure or flush to the ground.
- No sign permit is required for fixed aerial displays, balloons, pennants (including strings of flags), streamers, commercial flags, banners, temporary business signs, feather or flutter flags, or devices affected by air movement, provided they are displayed no more than 60 days in any one calendar year.
- Political signs are permitted in all districts in accordance with state statutes if not hazardous, do not obstruct clear vision or ADA requirements, and are not placed on power or telephone poles.
- Yard/garage sale signs are permitted in every zoning district if they do not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic, are placed and removed on the day of the sale, are no larger than 18 by 24 inches, and include the date and address.
- Advertising for sponsors of public transit stops (bus benches/shelters/buses) is permitted according to industry standards.
- Directory signs are allowed subject to criteria, design standards, and locations established by the city council.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Show Low
- A city sign permit is required before placing, constructing, reconstructing, or altering A-frames, banners, freestanding signs, permanent signs, or signs mounted/painted/placed on/attached to semi-trailers, unless specifically exempted.
- Sign permit applications must include a sign plan: a sketch showing size, height, shape, setbacks to property lines/easements/buildings; materials; mounting method; lighting method (if any); any existing or planned landscaping; existing signs and their relationship to the proposal and square footage; calculation of allowable sign area; any other information required by the planning and zoning director; and payment of the filing fee.
- Plan review: the planning and zoning director reviews sign plans and denies, approves, or conditionally approves based on conformity with the code.
- Inspections: a structural inspection may be required as part of the sign permit; a separate electrical permit and inspections are required for signs with electrical components before erection.
- Portable signs in commercial/industrial zones require a city portable sign permit (valid for one calendar year, nontransferable, issued if criteria are met, and the permit information must be affixed to the sign).
- A valid temporary merchant permit is required prior to placement of any temporary merchant signage.
- Special event signs must adhere to a special event permit’s dates; up to two over-the-highway banners (max 100 sq ft) may be displayed within 30 days prior to the event; banners over state highways require ADOT approval and payment of city-established fees.
- Off-site signs are generally prohibited; if a city directory sign is not available, an off-site sign for a business not adjacent to a state highway may be allowed only by conditional use permit and is limited to 4 sq ft, counts toward total allowable signage, must be removed within 30 days after a directory sign becomes available, and is subject to CUP conditions (maximum two per property).
- Electronic message displays must meet minimum message durations based on roadway speed; any display with faster changes than allowed requires a conditional use permit. Prior to sign permit issuance, manufacturer certification of intensity limits, automatic dimming, and password protection is required.
- No master sign plan or comprehensive sign program requirement is specified in this chapter.
- An administrative appeal process for decisions of the planning and zoning director relating to the sign code is available pursuant to Section 19.10.050(B)(1)(a).
Source: other municipal code