Sign Regulations in Surprise, Arizona
Surprise, Arizona has specific sign regulations covering 35 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Banner signs and festoons, Light pole banner signs, Sign walkers. 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 Surprise, Arizona
Sample Sign Requirements in Surprise
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I temporary signs (small A-frame signs) | 30 inches (A-frame sign); riders not included | 8 sq ft per sign; riders not included (up to 6" x 24") | — |
| Banner signs and festoons | — | 100 sq ft (aggregate per dwelling unit) | — |
| Light pole banner signs | — | 8 sq ft (single-sided) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for SurpriseFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
35
- Banner signs and festoons
- Light pole banner signs
- Sign walkers
- Teardrop banner signs
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Surprise
Other Cities in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Surprise 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 Surprise, 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 Surprise, regulated sign types include Banner signs and festoons, Light pole banner signs, Sign walkers, Teardrop banner signs, 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 Surprise 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 Surprise are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Surprise has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Surprise, Arizona Sign Rules at a Glance
Surprise, Arizona regulates 35 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Billboard signs in the Mixed-Use, Commercial, Industrial, SHD-RO, SHD-CO zoning district are capped at 45 ft (excl. embellishments) tall, Sign face: 48 ft x 14 ft (672 sq ft); EMC can be up to 100% of face. 30 sq ft additional embellishments., and 48 ft wide, with a 20-200 ft from SR303 setback (Sec. Sec. 109-1.9.C.9). Most commercial signs in Surprise require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Surprise, Arizona
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Surprise (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family | 9 | 30 inches (A-frame sign); riders not included | 100 sq ft (aggregate per dwelling unit) | — |
| Multi-Family | 14 | 84 in | Max 80% height, 10% width of canopy face | — |
| Mixed-Use, Commercial, Industrial, SHD-RO, SHD-CO | 21 | 80% of face height | 650 sq ft (max); EMC up to 50% area | — |
| Open Space, PF | 11 | 80% of face height | 80% face height, 10% face width | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | Single-family: 30 ft; Other districts: 35 ft | Per International Fire Code and Sec. 109-1.13 | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Surprise(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Multi-Family
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class III temporary signs (small post signs) | 72 in | 16 sq ft | 30 in | — | 1 per lot + 1 per extra street frontage | 1 per lot; 1 extra per street frontage. On vacant property: extra with 600 ft separation. Not in right-of-way, medians, lanes, sidewalks, or sight triangles. On fence: sign may extend 6 in above wall. | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.4 |
| Class IV temporary signs (large post signs) | 84 in | 64 sq ft | 96 in | — | 1 per lot + 1 per extra street frontage | 1 per lot; 1 per extra street frontage; not in right-of-way, medians, lanes, sidewalks, or sight triangles. | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.5 |
| Banner signs and festoons | — | Banner: 1 sq ft per linear ft bldg frontage, max 500 sq ft; Festoons: 100 sq ft, 20 ft length, no advertising copy | Banner: 80% bldg frontage (single-tenant) or tenant frontage (multi-tenant) | — | 1 banner per building (see widths), any number of festoons (see limits) | Securely attached to building; not to poles/vegetation | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.6.c |
| Teardrop banner signs | 12 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 2 per event | On property of the event; 15 ft from paths/trails, parking/drives; 50 ft from right-of-way; not on vacant property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.8 |
| Canopy signs | 80% canopy face height | Max 80% height, 10% width of canopy face | 10% width of canopy face | — | Not specified | On canopy face (must meet face dimension rules) | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.B.3 |
| Class III monument signs (directional signs) | 30 in | 6 sq ft | — | — | Per driveway | At driveway or entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.C.2 |
| Class V monument signs (minor monument signs) | 8 ft (sign face up to 8 ft; max arch embellishments 10 ft) | 32 sq ft | — | 2 ft from ROW/easement | 1 per 150 ft | 1 per 150 ft of collector/arterial frontage; spacing min 150 ft between signs | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.C.4 |
| Class VI monument signs (major monument signs) | 8 ft up to 17 ft (see formula for height as distance from SF) | 36 sq ft (may increase by 12 sq ft per ft of extra height, up to 120 sq ft) | — | 2 ft from ROW/easement | 1 per 150 ft frontage | Adjacent to parkways/arterials/Grand Ave. 1 per 150 ft. Min 80 ft from single-family zone. | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.C.5 |
Mixed-Use, Commercial, Industrial, SHD-RO, SHD-CO
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class II temporary signs (large A-frame and pedestal signs) | 48 in | 24 sq ft | 36 in | — | 2 per business (one at entrance, one at driveway entrance) | 1 within 15 ft of customer entrance, 1 at driveway (not in traffic/sight triangle; not within 50 ft of curb return, or 20 ft of other sign) | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.3 |
| Banner signs and festoons | — | Banner: 1 sq ft per linear ft frontage, max 500 sq ft; Festoons: 100 sq ft/20 linear ft, no advertising copy | Banner: up to 80% width of building or tenant frontage | — | 1 banner; any number of festoons | Secured to building | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.6.c |
| Teardrop banner signs | 12 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 2 per event | On property of event (must not be within 15 ft of paths or parking, or within 50 ft of ROW). Not on vacant property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.8 |
| Canopy signs | 80% of face height | Max 80% face height, 10% face width | 10% face width | — | Not specified | On face of canopy | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.B.3 |
| Class V monument signs (minor monuments) | 8 ft (face); +2 ft arch embellishments | 32 sq ft | — | 2 ft from ROW/easement | 1 per 150 ft | 1 per 150 ft collector/arterial frontage; min 150 ft between Class V/VI | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.C.4 |
| Class VI monument signs (major monuments) | 8 ft at 80 ft from SF; increase 1.5 ft/10 ft to max 17 ft. Height over 15 ft for embellishments only. | 36 sq ft (may increase 12 sq ft per 1 ft height, up to 120 sq ft) | — | 2 ft from ROW/easement | 1 per 150 ft frontage | Adj. to parkway/arterial/Grand Ave. Min 80 ft from SF. 1 per 150 ft. | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.C.5 |
| Freeway monument signs | 65 ft (+3 ft architectural embellishments) | 650 sq ft (max); EMC up to 50% area | — | 20 ft from ROW | Not specified; spacing >750 ft unless separated by arterial/freeway | Within defined portions of SR303 corridor; see details. Not within 300 ft of residential | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.C.8 |
| Billboard signs | 45 ft (excl. embellishments) | Sign face: 48 ft x 14 ft (672 sq ft); EMC can be up to 100% of face. 30 sq ft additional embellishments. | 48 ft | 20-200 ft from SR303 | Per corridor/planning separation | Within specified SR303 corridor/PAD; not within 20 ft of SR303 ROW and not more than 200 ft from ROW; not within 660 ft of a Freeway Monument sign or within 1,760 ft of another billboard | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.C.9 |
Open Space, PF
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class II temporary signs (large A-frame and pedestal signs) | 48 in | 24 sq ft | 36 in | — | 2 per use | Allowed in Open Space (see Table), not PF. 1 within 15 ft of entrance, 1 at driveway (see commercial rules). | — | Unlock | Table 109-1a, Sec. 109-1.9.A.3 |
| Banner signs and festoons | — | Banner: 1 sq ft per linear ft of building elevation, max 500 sq ft; Festoons: 100 sq ft max, 20 lin ft max, no advertising | Banner: 80% width of bldg or tenant frontage | — | 1 banner per building, multiple festoons | On buildings | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.6.c |
| Light pole banner signs | — | 8 sq ft (single side) | — | — | As allowed by pole | On appropriate light poles | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.7 |
| Teardrop banner signs | 12 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 2 per event | On event property, not within 15 ft of trail/path, 50 ft from ROW, not on vacant parcels. | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.8 |
| Sign walkers | — | 2x3 sq ft or 1x12 sq ft | — | — | 2 or 1 | On sidewalk, not obstructing | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.A.9 |
| Building wall signs | — | — | 80% bldg frontage | — | Unrestricted up to aggregate formula | On bldg elevation facing street/parking | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.B.1 |
| Canopy signs | 80% of face height | 80% face height, 10% face width | 10% face width | — | Not specified | Canopy face | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.B.3 |
| Class III monument signs (directional signs) | 30 in | 6 sq ft | — | — | Per entrance | At driveway entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-1.9.C.2 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Surprise — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Surprise — start freeProhibited Signs in Surprise
- Signs are not permitted within the public street right-of-way, except for those signs erected by, or on behalf of the city, or as otherwise expressly permitted in this chapter.
- Signs are not permitted within private street rights-of-way, except when associated with an approved planned area development (PAD) or comprehensive sign program (CSP), as required by the city, or as otherwise permitted in this chapter.
- No portion of any sign erected on any property may encroach into the public right-of-way, except as otherwise permitted in this chapter or where expressed written permission is granted by the city to allow said encroachment.
- All signs must be an accessory use to a primary use. In no case shall a sign be established as a primary use of the property; except that temporary signs as otherwise allowed within a given zoning district are exempt from this provision.
- Abandoned signs, pole signs of a permanent nature, snipe signs, and median signs are specifically prohibited.
- Animated signs, flashing, blinking, or rotating signs, festoons, inflatable signs including latex or mylar balloons, permanent banner signs, pennants, searchlights, streamers, signs (other than class 1 monument signs) that emit audible sound, and any clearly similar features are prohibited.
- Vehicle signs when the vehicle is placed in a location not approved for vehicular parking or storage are prohibited.
- Signs containing any words or symbols that would cause confusion because of their resemblance to highway traffic control or direction signals are prohibited.
- Merchandise, equipment, products or other items which are not available for purchase, but are intended to attract attention, or for identification or advertising purposes, are prohibited.
- Signs located on trees, utility poles, public benches, or any other form of public property, or within any public right-of-way, unless explicitly permitted by these regulations, are prohibited.
- Signs containing vulgar or profane messages, hate speech, or language intended to incite violence are prohibited.
- Signs greater than 30 inches in height and which are located within any sight visibility triangle of any street or driveway intersection as required by the Surprise engineering design standards are prohibited.
- Signs not expressly permitted as being allowed by right under this chapter, or by specific requirements in another portion of this chapter, or otherwise expressly allowed by the city board of adjustment, are prohibited.
- Signs placed in locations that are deemed by the city to present a hazard to public safety, obstruct clear vision in the area, or interfere with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Surprise
- Governmental signs.
- Any sign that is not visible from another property to the naked eye, provided said sign otherwise meets applicable building code requirements and the requirements of Sections 109-1.10, 109-1.11, and 109-1.12.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Surprise
- A comprehensive sign program may be obtained to allow a deviation from the requirements applicable to a particular sign class or type, and/or to introduce a unique or creative sign type not listed as permitted; this must be processed as a type 3 application and is reviewed and approved by the city council.
- A comprehensive sign program may not introduce a sign type that is specifically prohibited in subsection 109-1.7(f).
- A comprehensive sign program may be included as part of a zone change request or as an independent stand-alone document; approval or denial is discretionary and lies with the city council.
- Whenever land is located within an approved planned area development (PAD) or is subject to an approved comprehensive sign program (CSP), the provisions of the PAD or CSP apply where explicit, otherwise the provisions of this chapter control where there is no conflict.
- Freeway monument signs and billboard signs require prior approval of a conditional use permit and a construction permit, and must receive a certificate of completion from the city within specific timeframes or the permit becomes null and void.
- Model home complex signs must have information included in the model home complex application packet and be reviewed and approved with the model home complex; amendments to the sign plan are required for retrofitting existing complexes.
Source: municode municipal code