Sign Regulations in Tempe, Arizona
Tempe, Arizona has specific sign regulations covering 7 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Address, Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: March 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Tempe, Arizona
Sample Sign Requirements in Tempe
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address | — | At least 4 inches in height | — |
| Directory | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — |
| Flag | 35 feet | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
7
- Address
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Portable Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Tempe
Other Cities in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Tempe 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 Tempe, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Tempe, regulated sign types include Address, Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Portable 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 Tempe 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 Tempe are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Tempe has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Tempe, Arizona Sign Rules at a Glance
Tempe, Arizona regulates 7 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Directorys in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 feet tall and 24 square feet (Sec. Section 4-903B, Table 4-903B).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Tempe, Arizona
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Tempe (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 35 feet | 24 square feet | — |
| RCC district | 2 | 10 feet | 40 square feet | — |
| MU districts | 2 | 10 feet | 40 square feet | — |
| Single-Family Districts | 2 | 4 feet | 16 square feet total, 4 square feet individual | — |
| Multi-Family Districts | 2 | 8 feet | 6 square feet | — |
| Commercial, Mixed-Use and Office/Industrial Districts | 2 | 10 feet | 40 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Tempe(sample of 3 of 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address | — | At least 4 inches in height | — | — | — | Visible from public access | — | Unlock | Section 4-903B, Table 4-903B |
| Directory | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — | — | — | Properties occupied by 3 or more buildings | — | Unlock | Section 4-903B, Table 4-903B |
| Flag | 35 feet | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Section 4-903B, Table 4-903B |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Residential use properties | — | Unlock | Section 4-903B, General Notes |
Single-Family Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address | — | At least 4 inches in height | — | — | — | Visible from public access | — | Unlock | Section 4-903B, Table 4-903B |
| Portable Sign | 4 feet | 16 square feet total, 4 square feet individual | — | — | — | Single-family residential district | — | Unlock | Section 4-903B, Table 4-903B |
Multi-Family Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address | — | At least 4 inches in height | — | — | — | Visible from public access | — | Unlock | Section 4-903B, Table 4-903B |
| Portable Sign | 8 feet | 6 square feet | — | — | — | Multi-family residential district | — | Unlock | Section 4-903B, Table 4-903B |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Tempe — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Tempe — start freeProhibited Signs in Tempe
- Signs in public right of way that are not governed by state law
- Signs mounted on a building roof
- Signs that are mounted, attached, or painted on trailers, boats or vehicles that are parked immediately adjacent to a street frontage
- Signs having intermittent or flashing illumination, animated or moving parts, or that emit sound except as allowed under Section 4-903 (sign type C and F)
- Freestanding changeable copy signs, except as allowed under Section 4-903 (sign type C, E, F, and I)
- Banners, pennants, wind-driven spinners, streamers, balloons, flags, search lights, strobe lights, holographic projections, laser light displays, beacons, inflatable signs, except as otherwise provided in Section 4-903 (sign type K) and approved banner signs installed pursuant to the City's banner program
- Signs imitating official traffic control signs, or any sign or device obscuring such signs or devices
- Signs mounted on, or applied to trees, utility poles, or rocks
- Signs placed on private property without the property owner's written approval
- Signs placed on City owned property
Exempt Signs in Tempe
- Traffic or other governmental street signs, such as railroad crossing signs and notices, as may be authorized by the City and do not require permits
- Signs of public utility companies indicating danger or that serve as an aid to public safety, or that show the location of underground facilities or other public facilities and do not require permits
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Tempe
- Standards for signs in the RCC district and all MU districts shall be established through sign criteria approved through a Development Plan Review, pursuant to Section 6-306
- When a site is developed as a complex or center, a comprehensive sign package shall be provided for the property, and approved through development plan review
- For tenants of a complex or center, sign permits will only be issued for signs that comply with the previously approved comprehensive sign package, or receive approval through development plan review
- A comprehensive sign package requiring a modification may be approved by staff with the written authorization of the complex or center's property owner
Source: municode municipal code