Signs that meet the standards of this subsection 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.
(A) A-frame signs. A-frame signs are permitted as identified in Table S, subject to the conditions identified below:
(1) 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:
(a) On the same property as the use.
(b) Within the right-of-way of the nearest adjacent public street to the use.
(2) The location of A-frame signs shall be restricted as follows:
(a) Such signs shall not be located on the paved portion of any public street, any sidewalk, or any median.
(b) Such signs shall not be located within a designated parking or loading area.
(c) Signs shall not be located in a manner that poses a traffic vision hazard.
(d) 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.
(e) Businesses within the TROD 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.
(3) No sign may be greater than 12 square feet per side with a maximum height of four feet.
(4) Signs shall be weighted down and constructed of wrought iron; sheet metal; 1/8 inch thick plastic; or of wood that is at least 3/8 inch thick. No other materials are acceptable.
(5) Signs must be manufactured by a licensed and bonded sign company.
(6) Signs shall be clean and in good working order.
(7) 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.
(8) Landscaping cannot be modified or damaged to accommodate an A-frame sign.
(9) Signs shall only be displayed during business hours.
(B) Banner signs. Banner signs are permitted as identified in Table S, subject to the conditions identified below:
(1) In districts that allow residential development, temporary banners are not permitted on sites with individual dwelling units. Banners for holidays and special family events are excepted.
(2) On permitted multi-family residential or non-residential uses in all zoning districts, one banner no larger than 32 square feet in size is permitted per development or business street frontage. Except, banner signs associated with a temporary or non-profit business/organization may request an increase of the maximum banner size subject to sign permit approval.
(3) 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.
(4) Banner signs shall not be located in a manner that poses a traffic vision hazard, shall be maintained in a workmanlike manner and shall not be placed within the public right-of-way.
(5) Shall be displayed for a maximum of nine days per occurrence, up to a total of six occurrences per calendar year. Except, banner signs associated with a temporary or non-profit business/organization may request an extension of the maximum time limit subject to sign permit approval.
(C) Promotional signs.
(1) No more than two promotional signs shall be allowed per business per street frontage. Size and placement shall be a maximum of 15 square feet in area, and 15 feet in height with at least 25 feet between each one. Promotional signs shall be prohibited in public right of ways. Promotional signs shall only be displayed during business hours of the associated business. Signs shall be properly maintained and replaced if torn or faded in color.
(2) Any promotional pennants, balloons, streamers, flags, inflatable structures, character or product likenesses, and other non-merchandise displays must be associated with an active promotional event and shall be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days in any three-month period, and not more than 60 days in any calendar year. Such promotional signage shall be erected not more than five days prior to the event, and shall be removed not more than one day after the event.
(D) Sign walkers. Sign walkers are permitted as identified in Table S, subject to the conditions identified below:
(1) 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.
(2) Sign walkers shall not erect or place tents, temporary structures, umbrellas, chairs or stools within the public right-of-way or adjacent property.
(3) Sign walkers shall not be positioned so as to obstruct vehicle sight lines.
(4) Sign walkers shall not obstruct the free movement of pedestrians on sidewalks.
(5) Sign walkers are not allowed in the medians of public streets.
(6) 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.
(E) Weekend directional signs. Weekend directional signs are permitted as identified in Table S, subject to the conditions identified below:
(1) Weekend signs may be placed Friday through Sunday.
(2) 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.
(3) The maximum size shall not exceed four square feet.
(4) The maximum height shall not exceed three feet.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
(F) Window decorations/painting.
(1) Temporary 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.
(G) Yard signs. Yard signs are permitted as identified in Table S, subject to the conditions identified below:
(1) For single family residential uses in permitted zoning 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.
(2) For multi-family residential uses in permitted zoning 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.
(3) On non-residential uses in all 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.
(4) 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 subsection.
(5) Shall not be located within any right-of-way whether dedicated or owned in fee simple or as an easement.
(6) 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, street light, similar object, or on public property.
(7) Shall not be illuminated.
(8) Shall be displayed for a maximum of six months per occurrence, with up to one extension subject to approval per calendar year.
(H) Political signs. For regulations related to political signs please refer to A.R.S. § 16-1019. During the period established under A.R.S. § 16-1019(H), the state’s political sign requirements apply. Outside of the period established under A.R.S. § 16-1019(H), the El Mirage Sign Ordinance applies.
(Res. R22-05-08, passed 5-3-2022; Ord. O22-05-02, passed 5-3-2022)