Sign Regulations in Tombstone, Arizona
Tombstone, Arizona has specific sign regulations covering 10 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign, Identification or Announcement Sign (General Use), Identification or Announcement Sign (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Tombstone, Arizona
Sample Sign Requirements in Tombstone
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging Sign (Over Boardwalk/Sidewalk Public Right-of-Way) | 2 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. aggregate up to 50 ft. frontage; +1 sq. ft. every additional 10 ft.; max 25 sq. ft. | May project max 2 ft. from building line into yard. |
| Identification or Announcement Sign (General Use) | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
10
- Real Estate Sign
- Identification or Announcement Sign (General Use)
- Identification or Announcement Sign (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution)
- Wall Sign (Nonconforming Business Use)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Tombstone 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 Tombstone, 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 Tombstone, regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign, Identification or Announcement Sign (General Use), Identification or Announcement Sign (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution), Wall Sign (Nonconforming Business Use), 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 Tombstone 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 Tombstone are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Tombstone has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Tombstone, Arizona Sign Rules at a Glance
Tombstone, Arizona regulates 10 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Billboards in the B-2 Zone (B-2), I-1 Zone (I-1), I-2 Zone (I-2) zoning district are capped at 16 ft. (sign face) tall and 47 ft. wide, with a At least 3 ft. clear space below sign; 20 ft. from intersection of street lot lines at vacant corner. setback (Sec. 10-14-14-4C, 10-14-16). Most commercial signs in Tombstone require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Tombstone, Arizona
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Tombstone (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 2 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — |
| R-1 Residence Zone (R-1), MH-1 Residence Zone (MH-1), R-2 Residence Zone (R-2) | 4 | — | 20 sq. ft. per street frontage (aggregate) | — |
| R-3 Residence Zone (R-3), R-4 Residence Zone (R-4) | 5 | — | 20 sq. ft. per street frontage (aggregate) | — |
| B-1 Business Zone (B-1) | 7 | — | 20 sq. ft. per street frontage (aggregate) | — |
| B-2 Zone (B-2), I-1 Zone (I-1), I-2 Zone (I-2) | 7 | 16 ft. (sign face) | 20 sq. ft. per street frontage (aggregate) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Tombstone(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
R-3 Residence Zone (R-3), R-4 Residence Zone (R-4)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. aggregate up to 50 ft. frontage; +1 sq. ft. every additional 10 ft.; max 25 sq. ft. | — | May project max 2 ft. from building line into yard. | — | On property being sold/rented. May project/set 2 ft. from building line into required yard. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1A, 10-14-14-2A |
| Identification or Announcement Sign (General Use) | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Attached flat against building. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1B, 10-14-14-2A |
| Identification or Announcement Sign (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution) | — | 12 sq. ft. | — | If not attached flat, must be 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | For own use of institution; if not attached flat against building, must be at least 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1B, 10-14-14-2A |
| Wall Sign (Nonconforming Business Use) | — | 20 sq. ft. per street frontage (aggregate) | — | — | — | On the premises, pertains to nonconforming business use only. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1C, 10-14-14-2A |
| Announcement Sign (Hotel/Inn/Lodging/Trailer Court) | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | If not attached, 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | If not attached to building, must be at least 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-2B |
B-1 Business Zone (B-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. aggregate up to 50 ft. frontage; +1 sq. ft. every additional 10 ft.; max 25 sq. ft. | — | May project max 2 ft. from building line into yard. | — | On property being sold/rented. May project/set 2 ft. from building line into required yard. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1A, 10-14-14-2A, 10-14-14-3A |
| Identification or Announcement Sign (General Use) | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Attached flat against building. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1B, 10-14-14-2A, 10-14-14-3A |
| Identification or Announcement Sign (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution) | — | 12 sq. ft. | — | If not attached flat, min 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | For own use; if not attached flat against building, must be at least 12 ft. from lot lines. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1B, 10-14-14-2A, 10-14-14-3A |
| Wall Sign (Nonconforming Business Use) | — | 20 sq. ft. per street frontage (aggregate) | — | — | — | On the premises, pertains to nonconforming business use only. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1C, 10-14-14-2A, 10-14-14-3A |
| Announcement Sign (Hotel/Inn/Lodging/Trailer Court) | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | If not attached, 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | If not attached to building, must be at least 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-2B, 10-14-14-3A |
| Sign Bearing Firm Name | — | 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of lot frontage, min 20 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On premises; shows name of firm/business or character of goods/services. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-3B |
| Wall Sign or Ground Sign (Projection) | — | — | — | Maximum projection 24 inches beyond building line. | — | — | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-3C |
B-2 Zone (B-2), I-1 Zone (I-1), I-2 Zone (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. aggregate up to 50 ft. frontage; +1 sq. ft. every additional 10 ft.; max 25 sq. ft. | — | May project max 2 ft. from building line into yard. | — | On property being sold/rented. May project/set 2 ft. from building line into required yard. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1A, 10-14-14-2A, 10-14-14-3A, 10-14-14-4A |
| Identification or Announcement Sign (General Use) | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Attached flat against building. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1B, 10-14-14-2A, 10-14-14-3A, 10-14-14-4A |
| Identification or Announcement Sign (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution) | — | 12 sq. ft. | — | If not attached flat, min 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | For own use; if not attached flat against building, must be at least 12 ft. from lot lines. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1B, 10-14-14-2A, 10-14-14-3A, 10-14-14-4A |
| Wall Sign (Nonconforming Business Use) | — | 20 sq. ft. per street frontage (aggregate) | — | — | — | On the premises, pertains to nonconforming business use only. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-1C, 10-14-14-2A, 10-14-14-3A, 10-14-14-4A |
| Announcement Sign (Hotel/Inn/Lodging/Trailer Court) | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | If not attached, 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | If not attached to building, must be at least 12 ft. from all lot lines. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-2B, 10-14-14-3A, 10-14-14-4A |
| Sign Bearing Firm Name | — | 5 sq. ft. per linear foot of lot frontage; max 750 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On premises; shows firm name/goods/services. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-4B |
| Billboard | 16 ft. (sign face) | — | 47 ft. | At least 3 ft. clear space below sign; 20 ft. from intersection of street lot lines at vacant corner. | — | Attached or unattached to a building. | — | Unlock | 10-14-14-4C, 10-14-16 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Tombstone — 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 Tombstone — start freeProhibited Signs in Tombstone
- It is unlawful to tack, paste, place or fasten any card, bill, poster or other written or printed matter upon any pole or post used for carrying telegraph, telephone or electric light wires, any signpost, or tree in the City, except for official municipal notices.
- It is unlawful to tack, paste, place or fasten any card, bill, poster or other written or printed matter upon any building, wall, fence, signboard or other structure in the City without first obtaining permission from the owner or person in control.
- No sign or advertising structure or any part thereof shall extend above the maximum building height for the zone in which it is located.
- No person shall erect, construct or cause or permit to be erected or constructed, any advertising structure or sign upon or over any public sidewalk, street, alley or public place or property, except as may be permitted in the ordinance or as required by law or ordinance. (Exceptions apply to certain temporary signs.)
- No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to interfere in any way with, or confuse traffic, or present any traffic hazard.
- No sign within the scope of this chapter shall be erected in the City after the effective date unless it complies with the requirements of the chapter.
- Existing nonconforming signs must be removed when the use of the premises changes and in any case not later than five years from the effective date of the chapter; after that time, no nonconforming sign may be erected, maintained, or used.
Exempt Signs in Tombstone
- Any sign placed or painted on the inside of a building or on the inside or outside of any bus or vehicle is exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
- Miscellaneous traffic or other Municipal signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, legal notices, trespassing signs or signs of public service companies indicating danger or aids to service or safety are exempt.
- Cornerstones or tablets built into or attached to the walls of a building or structure bearing only names, uses, and events pertaining to the building are exempt.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Tombstone
- A building permit is required for every sign and advertising structure regulated by this chapter.
- Two copies of plans and specifications shall be submitted with the application for a permit for each sign regulated by the chapter. Plans must show all details including size, method of attachment/support, location, materials, and designer information.
- Plans for supports of all roof signs and other signs subject to excessive stresses must demonstrate that supporting surfaces and structural members are in good condition and adequately strong.
- Signs are subject to inspection by the Building Inspection Department at any time to ensure compliance with safety and structural requirements.
- No sign may be erected, constructed, or maintained except in conformity with this ordinance and after obtaining all required approvals and permits.