Sign Regulations, Processes and Permits

Find information about a property by entering the address or the Maricopa County Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) in the link below. Information on the property’s zoning, permits, cases and other property records are readily available. Use this tool to submit your sign questions, or to request a copy of a master sign program (MSP) if a MSP cannot be found searching Master Sign Case Files or the Master Sign Program Map.

Property Information Request

To search for a city-approved master sign program for development, and to obtain information and requirements on master sign programs (MSP), comprehensive sign programs (CSP), and community sign districts (CSD); along with information on the process of creating a new sign program, amending an existing sign program, and rescinding outdated sign programs visit our master sign programs page

Master Sign Programs

The Scottsdale Sign Ordinance is the official set of requirements and standards that govern the permanent and temporary sign requirements of the city. It is officially known as Article VIII – Sign Requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.

Article VIII - Sign Requirements

Sign Ordinance Requirements

Sign Ordinance Resources

To assist with navigating and understanding the Sign Ordinance, refer to the list of resources below, which will help determine the appropriate building and freestanding sign requirements.

Property Information Request
Look up a property to determine the zoning district.

Scottsdale Parcel Information Map
Look up a property to view the property’s zoning, aerial, property lines, and easements.

Transportation Master Plan
Look up the street classification to determine freestanding sign applicability and requirements.

Maricopa County Assessor Parcel Map
Measure the property line length to determine freestanding sign applicability and requirements.

Utility Company Approval Contacts
List of utility company contacts if a freestanding sign is proposed in a public utility easement (PUE).

Intersection & Driveway Sight Distance (PDF)
Calculate the sight visibility triangles for intersections and for driveways.

This section provides information and regulations on the most commonly-requested sign types.

Private Property Signs
Information on private property compliance signage: Dog Waste Disposal Signs, Restricted Parking & Towing Signs, Accessible Parking Signs for the Physically Disabled, and No Trespassing Signs.

Temporary Banner Signs
Requirements and application for temporary banners.

Temporary Real Estate and Development Signs
Information and requirements on real estate signs, development signs, and off-premise residential activity signs.

Prohibited Temporary Signs
Illegal temporary signs managed by the City’s Code Enforcement Department.

Campaign/Political Signs
Requirements for Campaign Signs (also known as Political Signs).

Event Directional Signage
Banner requirements for permitted events managed by the City’s Tourism and Events Department.

Traffic Control and Street Signs
Requirements and standards for traffic control signs, traffic signals, and city street signs managed by the City’s Transportation Department.

Addressing & Premises Identification
Minimum requirements for address numbers required by the Fire Code. Refer to the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 505 – Premises Identification.

Sign Ordinance Section 8.303 – Requirement of Permit outlines when a sign permit is required. If a sign permit is required, this section provides the application, permit review, and inspection process.

Step 1: Submit a Sign Permit Application

1. Download and complete the Sign Permit Application (pdf). Refer to Page 2 for minimum submittal requirements.

Download Sign Permit Application

2. Apply for a Sign Permit through the planning and permitting portal, Scottsdale SPUR. Upload the completed sign permit application as part of the required attachments. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Scottsdale SPUR

Once the sign application is administratively accepted, fees (see fee schedule) will be collected, and the application will advance to the Permit Review (Substantive Review) process. The administrative review time frame is five (5) business days; however, the One Stop Shop has an Administrative Review processing goal of one (1) business day for online submittals. 

Additional Requirements

• An Arizona-licensed general contractor or Arizona-licensed sign contractor is required to install sign(s) for commercial properties.
• Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-835(D) requires an Administrative Review & Acceptance of applications at the One Stop Shop prior to advancing to a Substantive Review.

Step 2: Permit Review (Substantive Review)

The Substantive Review time frame is five (5) business days per review cycle. There are no expedited plan review services.

You will receive notification through SPUR if your application is approved or if corrections are required. Corrections may be resubmitted through the portal. Once approved, fees will be collected, and the permit will be issued and available for download.

Step 3: Inspections

Process

After the sign permit is issued, the applicant has 180 days to schedule and obtain the first inspection, or the permit will expire. Inspections may be scheduled through the SPUR portal.

Each proceeding inspection must occur within 180 days of the last inspection. A fee is required to reinstate an expired permit.

City-approved plans are to remain on the job site during construction, and accessible for the City building inspector.