(A) Purpose. These regulations balance the need to protect the public safety and welfare, the need for a well maintained and attractive community, and the need for adequate identification, communication and advertising. The regulations for signs have the following specific objectives:
(1) To ensure that signs are designed, constructed, installed and maintained according to minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare;
(2) To allow and promote positive conditions for sign communication;
(3) To reflect and support the desired ambience and development patterns of the various zones, overlay zones, and plan districts and promote an attractive environment;
(4) To allow for adequate and effective signs whose dimensional characteristics further the interests of public safety and the needs of the motorist, where signs are viewed from a street or roadway; and
(5) To ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free expression is protected.
(B) Applicability. The requirements of this code apply to all signs, sign structures, awnings, and other types of sign devices located within the town, except as specified in § 152.059(C), below.
(C) Exemptions. The following are exempt from the regulations of this code, but may be subject to other codes enacted by the town where applicable:
(1) Signs which are not visible from a public roadway; however, these signs must comply with any building and construction provisions enacted by the town;
(2) Signs inside a building;
(3) Signs carved into a building or raised in integral relief on a building;
(4) Signs required by federal, state, or town law/authority;
(5) Noncommercial flags;
(6) Painted and/or applied wall accents and decorations;
(7) Illuminated building accents and decorations;
(8) Public art. Murals defined as works of graphic art hand-painted or applied to building walls, which contain no advertising, commercial messages, or logos; and/or that are not displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise which may obtain commercial gain from the display;
(9) Name and address. Up to two signs indicating address, number and/or name of occupants of the premises that do not exceed two square feet in area and located in an area not otherwise prohibited by this chapter;
(10) Decals. Decals and/or logos affixed to windows or door glass panels, such as those indicating membership in a business group or identifying credit cards accepted at the establishment;
(11) Directional or informational signs of a noncommercial public or quasi-public nature, and community signs;
(12) Sign repainting without changing wording, composition or colors; or minor nonstructural repairs;
(13) On-premise signs that are relevant to the function of the property that are not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are located, or from any public right-of-way;
(14) Public signs. Signs erected by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing and identification signs for public facilities and any signs erected by the town; and
(15) Security and warning signs. On-premise signs regulating the use of the premises, such as "no trespassing," "no hunting" and "no soliciting" signs that do not exceed one sign two square feet in area in residential areas and one sign five square feet in area in commercial and industrial zones. These limitations shall not apply to the posting of conventional "no trespassing" signs in accordance with state law.
(D) Prohibitions. The following signs are prohibited:
(1) Signs containing strobe lights;
(2) Abandoned sign structures, as defined by this code;
(3) Signs placed on or painted on a motor vehicle or trailer parked with the primary purpose of providing signage not otherwise allowed by the code; prohibited is any sign displayed on a parked trailer or truck or other vehicle where the primary purpose of the vehicle is to advertise a product, service, business, or other activity. This regulation shall permit the use of business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation;
(4) No sign advertising a business or use shall be installed on any lot other than that on which the business is located unless allowed by § 152.059(H) or (I), or unless approved by the town as part of a wayfinding program;
(5) Signs in which a property owner accepts a fee for posting or maintaining a sign allowed under § 152.059(H) or (I);
(6) Signs that imitate or resemble official traffic lights, signs or signals or signs that interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic light, sign or signal;
(7) Mechanically moving signs. An environmentally activated sign or other display with actual mechanical motion powered by natural, manual, mechanical, electrical or other means, including but not limited to pennant strings, streamers, spinners, propellers, and search lights;
(8) Flashing signs. For the purposes of this code, a sign that has a change rate or dwell time of four seconds or longer does not fit within the prohibition noted herein;
(9) Posters and handbills. Any signs affixed to any structures, trees or other natural vegetation, rocks or poles;
(10) Simulated traffic signs and obstructions. Any sign which may be confused with, or obstruct the view of, any authorized traffic sign or signal, obstruct the sight-distance triangle at any road intersection or extend into the public right-of-way;
(11) Signs adversely affecting safety. Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire exit, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to any other part;
(12) Sign emissions. No sign which emits smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound or odor shall be permitted. Open flames used to attract public attention to a place of business or to an advertising sign shall not be permitted;
(13) Mirrors. No mirror device shall be used as part of a sign; or
(14) Situations where the code is silent. Where the code is silent, or where the rules of this code do not provide a basis for concluding that a sign is allowed, said sign is therefore prohibited.
(E) Conflicting regulations.
(1) Where there is a conflict between specific sign regulations and the general sign regulations of this code, the specific sign regulations supersede the base sign regulations.
(2) Where there is a conflict between a land use regulation and a structural regulation, or other conflicts not otherwise addressed by this section, the most restrictive applies.
(F) General provisions. The general provisions for all signs are listed below:
(1) Design.
(a) All signs hereafter constructed or maintained shall conform to the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of the town code, promoting the health and welfare of the general public.
(b) No sign, other than an official traffic sign or similar sign, shall be constructed within the boundary of any street or public right-of-way unless specifically authorized herein, authorized by other town ordinances or regulations; or permitted by special town authorization.
(c) No temporary or permanent sign or sign structure shall be erected or placed in a manner that would obscure vehicular visibility on or at the intersection of roadways; or at any location where its position, shape or color may interfere with or obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
(d) All signs shall be designed and constructed to resist all weather conditions and seismic hazard conditions of northern Arizona.
(e) The placement of new signs shall integrate with the established locational pattern of like sign types.
(f) When a site is developed as a complex or center containing more than three tenants, a comprehensive sign plan shall be provided for the property consistent with § 152.058(K)(2).
(2) Materials.
(a) All sign materials and components shall be of the quality and grade to resist specified wind and seismic hazard conditions of northwestern Arizona.
(b) Combustible materials, other than approved plastics, shall not be used in the construction of any electronic signs.
(c) Sign materials to be used on the building façade shall be compatible with the design of the face of the façade.
(3) Sign anchors.
(a) All signs shall be securely anchored to resist the identified wind and seismic hazards existing in northwestern Arizona.
(b) All signs attached to masonry, concrete, plywood or steel shall be safely and securely fastened utilizing metal anchors, bolts or approved expansion screws of sufficient size to safely support the loads generated by the sign.
(c) Only signs attached to wood framing may be attached with screws or nails. The screws or nails shall be of sufficient size to safely support the weight of the sign and resist the wind and seismic hazards existing in northwestern Arizona.
(d) Signs shall not be attached to any wall that is not securely braced or supported. Signs shall not be attached to any parapet wall if the parapet is not designed and constructed to accommodate the loads associated with the signage identified to be attached.
(4) Sign illumination. Signs may be illuminated as provided by this chapter and specified by approved sign criteria, if applicable, in accordance with the following regulations:
(a) Sign lighting shall be of low intensity with effective provisions made to minimize spillover of light beyond the actual sign face. Examples of permissible illumination methods would include, but not be limited to, the use of appropriate cut-off style light fixtures, the use of down-light fixtures adjusted so as to avoid light spillover and interference with the vision of motorists, and the use of muted internal illumination. Prohibited forms of light spillover include, but are not limited to, spillover into adjoining properties, roadways and airspace. Lighting must not interfere with the vision of oncoming motorists.
(b) All illuminated signs shall adhere to the provisions provided in § 152.059 unless specifically modified herein.
(5) Maintenance.
(a) The property owner or tenant on which the sign is located shall be responsible to maintain all signage that has been approved or that has been issued a permit. Periodic maintenance shall be undertaken by the owner or tenant so that the signage continues to conform to the conditions imposed by the sign permit.
(b) Any damaged sign base shall be repaired within 30 days after receipt of written presentation/rectification of the issue by the Zoning Administrator to the property owner.
(c) All metal pole covers and sign cabinets shall not show any effect of rust and rust stains.
(d) Any internally illuminated sign cabinets or sign panels which have been damaged shall not be illuminated until repaired.
(e) If the sign is suspect to collapse, or determined to be unsafe by the town's Inspector/Code Enforcement, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, the owner thereof, or the person or firm using the sign, shall, upon written notice by the Town's Inspector/Code Enforcement, or immediately in the case of imminent danger, and in any case within not more than ten days after notice shall make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter; or remove the sign. If, within ten days, full compliance with the notice has not occurred, the town's Inspector/Code Enforcement may remove, or cause such sign to be removed, at the sole expense of the owner and/or user of the sign.
(f) The changeable letter panels of a permitted changeable copy sign shall be subject to the same maintenance requirements as imposed by the sign permit.
(6) Sign height measurements. Sign height measurements are determined as follows for each sign type:
(a) Freestanding signs. The overall height of a freestanding sign or sign structure is measured from the lowest point of the ground directly below the sign to the highest point of the freestanding sign or sign structure.
(b) Exception. Where a freestanding sign or sign structure is mounted along a roadway that has a higher grade level as compared to the grade level directly below the freestanding sign or sign structure, then the freestanding sign or structure's height will be measured from the top of curb or the crown of the adjacent roadway (where no curb exists) to the highest point of the freestanding sign or sign structure.
(c) Wall signs or fascia mounted signs. The height of the sign shall be measured from the top of the sign structure to the top of curb or the crown of the adjacent road where no curb exists.
(7) Sign area standards. The "sign area" of each permitted sign shall be measured as follows:
(a) Background mounted signs. Sign copy mounted or painted on a background panel or area distinctively painted, textured or constructed as a background for the sign copy shall be measured as that area within the outside dimensions of the background panel or surface. The base of a freestanding monument sign shall not be calculated as sign area unless said base contains signage.
(b) Individual mounted signs. The area of a sign copy mounted or painted, as individual letters or graphics, against a wall or the fascia of a building or other structure that has not been painted, textured or otherwise altered to provide a distinctive background for the sign copy, shall be measured as the area enclosed by the smallest standard geometric shape or combination of geometric shapes capable of encompassing the perimeter of the background area of the sign.
(c) Two-part signage. In instances in which a sign consists of individual elements such as letters, symbols, or other graphic objects or representations that are painted, attached to, or otherwise affixed to a surface such as a wall, window, canopy, awning, architectural projection, or to any surface not specifically designed to serve as a sign background, the sign area shall be based on the sum of the individual areas of the smallest geometric shape or combination of geometric shapes capable of encompassing the perimeters of the individual elements comprising the sign.
Figure 4.4-B
(d) Sign frames or cabinets. The area of sign faces enclosed in frames or cabinets is determined based on the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet.
Figure 4.4-C
(e) One sign with one or more sign faces:
1. One face. Area of the single face only.
2. Two faces. If the interior angle between the two faces is 45 degrees or less, the sign area will be the total of one face only; if the angle between the two sign faces is greater than 45 degrees, the sign area will be the sum of the areas of the two faces.
3. Three or more faces. The sign area will be calculated as the sum of the areas of each of the faces.
Figure 4.4-D
4. Irregular shaped signs. To be measured based on the appropriate mathematical formula to obtain the sign area for a circle, an oval or irregularly shaped sign.
5. Spherical, free-form, sculptural or other non-planar signs. The signage area will be the sum of the areas using only the four vertical sides of the smallest cube that will encompass a sign.
Figure 4.4-E
(G) Total aggregate sign area standards. The total aggregate sign area shall be the sum of all the sign areas of each allowable sign placed on a parcel with the following restrictions:
(a) For all non-residential uses, the total aggregate sign area allowable to any business having an external business entrance shall not exceed the greater of 50 square feet or 1½ square feet per lineal foot of building frontage per business, but in no case more than 300 square feet per business.
(b) All non-residential uses having only an external building wall facing a public street, shall be permitted exterior signage with a total aggregate sign area not to exceed 50 square feet.
(c) Non-residential uses having only an internal business entrance and no external wall facing a public street or public access driveway or public alley shall be limited to business identification signage on a multi-tenant building wall mounted sign as set forth in § 152.058(I)(1)(k).
(d) Businesses having building frontage greater than 200 feet in length may increase their allowed sign area by 0.5 square feet per one lineal foot of building frontage in excess of 200 feet. Such additional sign area shall be for the exclusive use of said business and not transferable or reallocable to other businesses on the parcel.
(e) Building frontage is determined by the measurement of the portion of the business facing the street or public access driveway or public alley. Multi-story building lineal footage is limited to the ground floor lineal footage measurement except as modified by the divisions below.
(H) Standards by sign type. The criteria listed within this table describes the permitted conditions applicable for each sign type. This table also includes references to additional sign standards that may be applicable to each sign type.
Table 4.4: Sign Requirements by Sign Type*
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Sign Type | Sign Permit Requir ed | Part of Aggrega te Sign Area | P = Permitted N = Not Permitted | Additional Sign Standards | Lighti ng Permi tted | |||||
Zoning Districts
| ||||||||||
Res. | Com./ MU | Bus ./Ind. | Air. | Spec.
| ||||||
Res . Use | Non- Res. Use
| |||||||||
Table 4.4: Sign Requirements by Sign Type*
| ||||||||||
Sign Type | Sign Permit Requir ed | Part of Aggrega te Sign Area | P = Permitted N = Not Permitted | Additional Sign Standards | Lighti ng Permi tted | |||||
Zoning Districts
| ||||||||||
Res. | Com./ MU | Bus ./Ind. | Air. | Spec.
| ||||||
Res . Use | Non- Res. Use
| |||||||||
Permanent Signs
| ||||||||||
Attached or Wall Mounted | Yes | Yes | P | P | P | P | P | P | § 152.058(I)(1) | Yes |
Awning/Canopy | Yes | Yes | N | P | P | P | P | N | § 152.058(I)( 2) | No |
Directional | Yes | No | N | P | P | P | P | P | § 152.058(I)( 3) | Yes |
Directory | Yes | No | P | P | P | P | P | P | § 152.058(I)( 4) | Yes |
Electronic Message Center | Yes | Yes | N | P | P | P | P | N | § 152.058(I)( 5) | Yes |
Freestanding/ Monument | Yes | Yes | P | P | P | P | P | P | § 152.058(I)( 6) | Yes |
Gas Filled | No | No | N | N | P | P | N | N | § 152.058(I)( 7) | Yes |
Projecting | Yes | Yes | N | P | P | P | P | N | § 152.058(I)( 8) | No |
Pylon | Yes | Yes | N | N | P | P | N | N | § 152.058(I)( 9) | Yes |
Window | Yes | Yes | N | P | P | P | P | N | § 152.058(I)( 10) | No |
Temporary Signs
| ||||||||||
A-Frame Sign | Yes | No | N | N | P | P | N | N | § 152.058(J) (1) | No |
Banner Sign | Yes | No | P | P | P | P | P | P | § 152.058(J) (2) | No |
Sign Walker | Yes | No | N | N | P | P | N | N | § 152.058(J) (3) | No |
Weekend Directional | No | No | P | P | P | P | P | N | § 152.058(J) (4) | No |
Yard Sign | Yes | No | P | P | P | P | P | N | § 152.058(J) (5) | No |
* All sign criteria listed in this table is subject to and may be further modified by their respective additional sign standards provided in § 152.058(I) or as stated elsewhere within this chapter. | ||||||||||
(I) Additional standards by permanent sign type. This section describes the permitted conditions and applicable standards for each permanent sign type listed within Table 4.4.
(1) Attached or wall-mounted signs. Attached or wall mounted signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) Attached or wall-mounted signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area.
(b) Attached or wall mounted signs shall be supported solely by the façade or exterior building face.
(c) One attached sign per street frontage is permitted per business in all non-residential zoning districts.
(d) Attached or wall mounted signs may project no more than 12 inches from the surface of the wall to which it is attached or for halo illuminated signs must not exceed a one and ¾ (1.75) inch separation from the wall.
(e) Attached or wall mounted signs shall not extend above the wall, parapet, or fascia upon which it is placed.
(f) Attached or wall mounted signs are permitted on a roof surface if the roof is within 25 degrees of vertical.
(g) Attached or wall mounted signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height.
(h) Residential uses in the RE, R-1, R-2, MHS, and MHP zoning districts shall be allowed one attached or wall mounted sign not to exceed two square feet per parcel.
(i) Residential subdivisions and multi-family developments shall be allowed one attached or wall mounted sign not to exceed 24 square feet per subdivision entrance or six square feet per multi-family building.
(j) For all non-residential uses, attached or wall mounted signs shall not exceed more than the total aggregate sign area allowed as determined by § 152.058(G).
(k) Multi-tenant building wall mounted identification signs are permitted in the commercial and industrial zoning districts subject to the conditions identified below:
1. The use of a multi-tenant building wall mounted identification sign shall take the place of single business wall mounted signs and shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area.
a. The maximum number of multi-tenant signs for each building shall be limited to one sign per street frontage.
b. The maximum area of the multi-tenant sign shall not exceed the greater of 50 square feet or 1½ square feet per lineal foot of combined building frontage for each business, but in no case more than 300 square feet per multi-tenant sign.
(2) Awning/canopy sign. Awning/canopy signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) Awning/canopy signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area.
(b) Sign copy, including logos, shall not exceed 1½ square feet per lineal foot of building frontage.
(c) Such a sign shall only be displayed on ground floor awnings.
(d) If encroaching over an abutting town right-of-way line, a revocable town encroachment permit or other Town Council-granted authorization approved by the Town Engineer and the Town Attorney shall be required.
(3) Directional sign. Directional signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below: Non-residential uses shall be allowed a maximum of one directional sign permitted per drive or parking entry with a maximum area of three square feet and a maximum height of three feet.
(4) Directory sign. Directory signs to assist the public, law enforcement and emergency personnel locate a particular address or individual unit are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) Properties occupied by three or more buildings shall have an internally illuminated directory that shows the street address, layout of the complex, the location of the viewer and the unit designations within the complex;
(b) Shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet or sign area of 24 square feet; and
(c) Shall not include any advertising signage.
(5) Electronic message center. Electronic message center (EMC) signs with intermittent, scrolling or flashing illumination, are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) EMC signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area;
(b) Signs must be entirely located on-site;
(c) There shall be no moving or flashing green or red features that could be mistaken as traffic control devices;
(d) Digital message portion of the sign shall not exceed 50% of sign area;
(e) Sign shall be installed at least 150 feet from a designated crosswalk;
(f) Sign shall not be installed within 350 feet of a residential structure;
(g) EMC signs shall be separated from other EMC signs by a minimum of 1,000 feet;
(h) All continuous loop image progression occurring on the face or copy of the sign must have a minimum interval time of eight seconds;
(i) Illumination of EMC signs during daylight operations shall not exceed 3.85-watt wedge base lamps, and shall not exceed 1.925-watt base wedge lamps during nighttime operation;
(j) All EMC signs shall have automatic dimming controls, either by photocell (hardwired) or via software settings, to reduce the illumination intensity of the sign as ambient lighting conditions change; and
(k) EMC signs shall not be illuminated more than 30 minutes before the operation is open to the public or more than 30 minutes after the time at which the operation is closed to the public or 10:00 p.m., whichever is later.
(6) Freestanding/monument signs. Freestanding/monument signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) For single use buildings, freestanding/monument signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area. For single or multi-building developments with multiple tenants, freestanding/monument signs shall not be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area.
(b) Single use buildings, complexes, or centers on a single lot are allowed one freestanding/monument sign per street frontage, or one freestanding/monument sign for every 200 feet of street frontage, whichever is greater. The second sign must be at least 100 from the first.
(c) Single use buildings, complexes, or centers on a single lot, less than five acres in net site area, the maximum height of the sign, including any supporting structures shall be eight feet, maximum area shall be 40 square feet.
(d) Single use buildings, complexes, or centers on a single lot, five acres in net site area or greater, the maximum height of the sign, including any supporting structures shall be ten feet, maximum area shall be 60 square feet.
(e) A portion of the sign may have changeable copy, which shall not exceed 25% of sign area.
(f) Shall have monument-type bases of masonry construction or other architectural grade material.
(g) Freestanding or monument signs located in the CBD district shall either be located on low planter walls or incorporated with distinctive elements of the building's architectural style and scale.
(h) Address numerals shall be included on all freestanding sign structures. The numerals shall be at least six inches in height.
(i) No portion of the sign shall be located within three feet of the front property line or six feet of a side or rear property line.
(j) Freestanding/monument signs for residential uses in residential districts shall be limited to residential subdivisions or multi-family developments only, subject to the conditions identified below:
1. The maximum height shall be six feet and the maximum area shall be 24 square feet.
2. A maximum of one sign shall be located at each non-local street access to the identified subdivision or multi-family development.
3. The text area of the sign may be back-lit such that the source of illumination is not visible; provided, however, that back-lit, non-opaque panels are not permitted.
4. The text area of the sign may be illuminated by fully shielded ground mounted directional lighting.
(7) Gas filled signs. Gas filled signs (neon, argon, krypton, etc.) are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) Gas filled signs are limited to interior window display only (may not be used on the exterior of a building).
(b) The total area of gas filled signage for any one business shall be six square feet.
(c) No more than two gas filled signs shall be allowed for any one business.
(8) Projecting signs. Projecting signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) Such signs shall be included in the total aggregate sign area;
(b) One projecting sign is permitted for each business front and shall be adjacent to the business it identifies;
(c) Such signs shall only be permitted if they are affixed to a building and shall not project into the public right-of-way unless within the CBD District;
(d) The maximum area for each projecting sign for any one business shall be four square feet, except in the IP District where the maximum projecting sign area shall be 14 square feet;
(e) The maximum distance between the wall and the outer edge of the sign shall be four feet, or if a paved public sidewalk is below, 50% of the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less; and
(f) Such signs shall be located so that the base edge of the sign is not less than seven feet from the sidewalk or ground. Such signs shall require both a town sign permit and, if encroaching over an abutting town right-of-way line, a revocable town encroachment permit or other Town Council-granted authorization is approved by the Town Engineer and the Town Attorney.
(9) Pylon signs. Pylon signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) Pylon signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area;
(b) One freestanding sign shall be allowed per property, additional signs are allowed on a property with street frontage that exceeds 200 feet. If multiple signs are placed on a single street frontage, there shall be a minimum of 100 feet between each sign;
(c) For single use buildings, the maximum height of the sign, including any supporting structures shall be 14 feet and the maximum area shall be 50 square feet. For single use buildings with frontage on State Route 389, the maximum height of the sign shall be 18 feet;
(d) All complexes and centers on a single lot less than five acres in net site area, the maximum height of the sign, including any supporting structures shall be 14 feet and the maximum area shall be 75 square feet. For said complexes and centers with frontage on State Route 389, the maximum height of the sign shall be 18 feet;
(e) All complexes and centers on a single lot, five acres in net site area or greater, the maximum height of the sign, including any supporting structures shall be 14 feet and the maximum area shall be 200 square feet. For said complexes with frontage on State Route 389, the maximum height of the sign shall be 18 feet;
(f) A portion of the sign may have changeable copy, which shall not exceed 50% of sign area for single use buildings and 25% of sign area for complex and centers on a single lot;
(g) A minimum setback of ten feet from all property lines shall be required, except that a minimum setback of 12 feet from adjoining residential properties shall be required;
(h) Sign supports shall consist of at least 30% of the total sign width; each single support shall consist of at least 15% of the total sign width; and
(i) Signs shall be composed of a decorative base, support, and sign face.
(10) Window signs. Window signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) Window signs that are permanent shall be included in the total aggregate sign area;
(b) Permanent window signage shall be limited to 25% of the total window area in which it is placed;
(c) Permanent window signs shall be prepared by a professional sign company; and
(d) Temporary window decorations/painting.
1. Window decorations/painting signs are permitted in all zoning districts and shall not require a sign permit or be considered part of the total aggregate sign area.
2. Holiday decorations may be displayed on a temporary basis for civic, patriotic or religious holidays.
3. The coverage of window decoration/painting and signage must not exceed 75% of the total window area.
4. Window decoration shall not contain any form of advertising copy, including but not limited to, name of business, logo or sale language.
(J) Additional standards by temporary sign type. Signs that meet the standards of this section are exempt from the standards for permanent signs and are not counted in the total aggregate sign area allowed on any particular property or site.
(1) A-frame signs. A-frame signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) Uses permitted to display A-frame signs may display a maximum of one such sign per street, public access driveway, or public alley frontage. Such signs shall be located as follows:
1. On the same property as the use; or
2. Within the right-of-way of the nearest adjacent public street to the use.
(b) The location of A-frame signs shall be restricted as follows:
1. Such signs shall not be located on the paved portion of any public street, any sidewalk, or any median;
2. Such signs shall not be located within a designated parking or loading area;
3. Signs shall not be located in a manner that poses a traffic vision hazard;
4. A-frame signs must be placed at least one foot behind the curb or public sidewalk. If no curb or public sidewalk is present, signs shall be located at least five feet from the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way; and
5. Businesses within the CBD District may use A-frame signs on public or private sidewalks, provided the portable sign does not obstruct the pedestrian walkways and shall only be placed within the first three feet of the sidewalk located immediately adjacent to the curb, leaving a minimum sidewalk clearance of five feet.
(c) No sign may be greater than 12 square feet per side with a maximum height of four feet.
(d) Signs shall be weighted down and constructed of wrought iron; sheet metal; inch thick plastic; or of wood that is at least inch thick. No other materials are acceptable.
(e) Signs must be manufactured by a licensed and bonded sign company.
(f) Signs shall be clean and in good working order.
(g) Attachments to signs are limited to balloons flown no higher than six feet from the ground. If attachments are used, the A-frame sign must be set back from the curb and/or sidewalk a minimum of three feet.
(h) Landscaping cannot be modified or damaged to accommodate an A-frame sign.
(i) Signs shall only be displayed during business hours.
(2) Banner signs. Banner signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) In residential districts, temporary banners are not permitted on sites with individual dwelling units. Banners for holidays and special family events are excepted;
(b) On multi-family or non-residential uses in residential districts and in the commercial and industrial zoning districts one banner no larger than 32 square feet in size is permitted per development or business;
(c) Banner signs shall be securely affixed to the wall or fence of a permanent structure or building, where feasible. No banner shall exceed the height of the prevailing roofline, or exceed the building height allowed by this chapter, whichever is less;
(d) Banner signs shall not be located in a manner that poses a traffic vision hazard and shall not be placed within the public right-of-way; and
(e) Shall be displayed for a maximum of nine days per occurrence, up to a total of six permits per calendar year.
(3) Sign walkers. Sign walkers are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) If located within the right-of-way, a sign walker shall be positioned behind the curb or, if no curb is present, ten feet behind the edge of pavement;
(b) Sign walkers shall not erect or place tents, temporary structures, umbrellas, chairs or stools within the public right-of-way or adjacent property;
(c) Sign walkers shall not be positioned so as to obstruct vehicle sight lines;
(d) Sign walkers shall not obstruct the free movement of pedestrians on sidewalks;
(e) Sign walkers are not allowed in the medians of public streets; and
(f) The sign worn, held or balanced by a sign walker shall be a maximum of five square feet in size and may be double sided.
(4) Weekend directional signs. Weekend directional signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) Must be placed at least one foot behind the curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located at least one foot from the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way. Weekend directional signs shall not be placed on sidewalks or within the center medians that divide portions of paved or unpaved roadways;
(b) The maximum size shall not exceed four square feet;
(c) The maximum height shall not exceed three feet;
(d) Signs shall be constructed of heavy duty, weather- resistant material, such as laminated paper, plastic foam core, or similar material. Placement stakes shall be wood or heavy gauge wire; and
(e) Weekend directional signs shall not be attached to any utility pole or box, light pole, street sign, tree or any structure within the public right-of-way.
(5) Yard signs. Yard signs are permitted as identified in Table 4.4, subject to the conditions identified below:
(a) For non-multi-family residential uses in residential districts, yard signs shall be limited to one sign per property with a maximum size not to exceed six square feet and maximum height of six feet;
(b) For multi-family residential uses in residential districts, yard signs shall be limited to one sign per property with a maximum size not to exceed eight square feet and maximum height of six feet;
(c) Temporary yard signs with a sign area six square feet or less shall not require a sign permit, provided the sign complies with the requirements of this section;
(d) On non-residential uses in the residential district and in the commercial, industrial, and airport zoning districts yard signs shall be limited to one sign per property with a maximum size not to exceed 32 square feet and a maximum height of eight feet;
(e) Shall not be located within any right-of-way whether dedicated or owned in fee simple or as an easement;
(f) Shall only be located on property that is owned or leased by the person whose sign it is and must not be placed on any utility pole, streetlight, similar object, or on public property;
(g) Shall not be illuminated; and
(h) Shall be displayed for a maximum of six months per occurrence, with up to one extension subject to approval per calendar year.
(6) Political signs. For regulations related to political signs please refer to A.R.S. § 16-1019.
(K) Permits required and process. A permit is required to erect, re-erect, construct, alter or move certain sign types within the town. A separate permit shall be required for each sign or group of signs on a single supporting structure. In addition to a sign permit, an electrical permit shall be obtained for all electric signs. All electric signs shall be subject to the provisions of the adopted electrical code of the town in effect at the time of submittal of the plans. All components of the electric sign shall bear the label of an approved agency.
(1) Master sign program. To provide a mechanism by which the sign regulations established in this Section can be modified to ensure that signs for a uniquely planned or designed development or area are most appropriate for that particular development or area, a master sign program may be requested per the guidelines identified below.
(a) A master sign program may be:
1. Requested by the developer, owner or master lessor of a development or parcel that is a minimum of ten gross acres; or
2. Initiated by the town for a particular area in furtherance of a specific plan, revitalization program, overlay zone, or other area wide planning tool.
(b) A master sign program may include provisions that are more and/or less restrictive than the regulations established in this section as related to issues of size, location, color, construction materials and design of the sign but without consideration as to the message to be displayed on the sign based on the particular unique features of the development.
(c) Each master sign program applicant shall show to the Administrator's satisfaction why the modifications requested are warranted and how the total sign proposal for the development meets, on balance, the general purpose and intent of this section.
(d) A master sign program application shall be approved, conditionally approved, or disapproved through the sign permit - master sign program review process.
(e) A new master sign program approval shall be obtained for substantial revisions to the original approval, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Comprehensive sign plan. To ensure large multi-building, -tenant developments or complexes maintain a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design theme, comprehensive sign plans shall be required for developments containing more than three structures or businesses.
(a) Comprehensive sign plans shall meet all sign criteria of the town within the commercial and industrial zoning districts. The following elements are required for submittal and approval:
1. Name, address and phone number of property owner or designee;
2. Written text clearly outlining the sign plan to include all suites, offices or other leased/leasable space;
3. Name and address of property for which the comprehensive sign plan is designated;
4. Design criteria allowed for signage (i.e. colors, installation method, materials, type of signage, etc.). If it is the intention of the property owner to allow nationally recognized registered logos, this must be specified in the plan;
5. Site plan showing all lot dimensions, suites, offices or other leased/leasable space and proposed/existing signage placement (drawn to scale);
6. Elevations showing proposed sign envelopes;
7. Lineal footage of building(s);
8. Allocation chart showing allowable and utilized sign square footage for each suite, office or space number; and
9. Comprehensive sign plan amendments must be made in writing and submitted, reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator.
10. A comprehensive sign plan denial, by the Zoning Administrator, may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment.
(b) For tenants of a development that has an approved comprehensive sign plan, sign permits will only be issued for signs that comply with the previously approved comprehensive sign plan, or receive approval through the master sign program.
(3) Sign permit criteria. Sign permits are subject to review and approval by the Zoning Administrator, or designee, per §§ 152.085 through 152.096. The following information shall be submitted to obtain a sign permit, unless alternative arrangements are made as part of a master sign program or comprehensive sign plan as specified herein:
(a) The applicant's name, name of business, business address, work telephone number and email address. If different, the application shall also include the name, address, work telephone number, email address and signed authorization of the property owner;
(b) The name, address, contact information and ROC# of the Arizona licensed sign contractor;
(c) The address of the site for the proposed signage;
(d) Two scaled drawings of the proposed signage that include at a minimum:
1. All sign dimensions, including the height of the signage;
2. Sign finish, materials and colors;
3. A site plan showing the proposed location of signage;
4. Any building elevations showing proposed location of signage;
5. Electrical plans (if applicable), including the source of sign illumination and applicable details of the fixture and screening; and
6. The landscape details (i.e. planting design, vegetation types, irrigation service, wall components, etc.) for signs with a landscape requirement; and
(e) The Zoning Administrator may require other pertinent information where, in his/her opinion, such information is necessary to insure compliance with the code.
(Ord. 2020-02, passed 4-13-2020)