Master Sign Programs

This section provides tools to search for a city-approved master sign program, 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along with information on the process of creating a new sign program, amending an existing sign program, and rescinding outdated sign programs.

Ordinance Text:

• Sign Ordinance Section 8.200 – Definitions
• Sign Ordinance Section 8.302 – Sign Programs

Search tips to find a particular sign program:

• If the sign program case number is known, type in the case number under ‘Case Number’ (example: 7-MS-2017 or 2-MS-2008#7).
• If the name of the development is known, type part of the name of the development under ‘Case Name’ (example: 7272 Old Town or SkySong).
• If the development address or Maricopa County Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) is known, type the address or APN under ‘Case Location’ (example: 6200 E Thomas or 174-29-143B). For better search results, do not use commas or periods, and do not type in the street designation after the street name (example: Rd., Dr., Pl.).
• If the address or parcel number is not known, or if there are multiple addresses within a parcel, utilize Scottsdale’s Parcel Information Map to obtain a list of specific addresses and parcel numbers.

If you cannot find the sign program online, or unsure if there is a sign program for a particular development, you may use the Property Information Request application to request a copy of a city-approved Master Sign Program.

Property Information Request

Requests to approve new master sign programs, or amend existing master sign programs, begins with a Pre-Application submittal.

After the Pre-Application is processed, a Pre-Application Meeting is scheduled with the applicant and City Staff. During the Pre-Application Meeting, City Staff will discuss with the applicant what process will be required and review time frames. Most sign program applications are reviewed through the City’s Minor Development Review (Staff Approval) process. Major or more complex sign programs may go through the City’s Development Review Board (DRB), which is a public hearing process.

Process:

Submit the following as part of the Pre-Application:

1. Pre-Application Fee (under "Application Fees")
2. Narrative describing the scope of the request.
3. Landlord or designee written approval letter, signed and dated.
4. Master Sign Program Written Criteria (Legislative Draft)
5. Dimensioned Site Plan
6. Sign Elevations (color) with colors and material sample call-outs
7. Context Photos
8. Any written correspondence between City Staff and the Applicant.

The City encourages new master sign programs and master sign program amendments to be simple, to-the-point, and not utilize multiple and unnecessary pages. To help as a guide, refer to the Master Sign Program Draft Sample/Template on how a master sign program should be outlined. Use the template as a guide, not as a requirement. During the Pre-Application Meeting, City Staff will provide review comments and additional process requirements.

Usage:

A master sign program is typically required for:

• A development is within the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Overlay (ESLO) District,
• A development with existing or proposed freestanding signs that include multiple tenant panels displaying the names of on-site businesses and/or the name of the development,
• Office developments with non-contiguous building wall signs,
• Developments that require a master sign program to utilize additional building signs as required by the Sign Ordinance, and
• Comprehensive Sign Programs (CSP) required as part of a Community Sign District (CSD).

There is more than 300 master sign programs on-file with the City. A significant amount of sign programs developed from the mid-1970s to early-2000s are outdated; due to advances in sign technology, sign construction methods, and updates to the City’s Sign Ordinance. To help reduce the amount of records and unnecessary sign regulations, the City strongly encourages property owners and sign companies to rescind outdated master sign programs.

The benefit of rescinding an outdated master sign program is that it reverts all sign regulations back to the requirements outlined in the Sign Ordinance; while allowing property owners the flexibility to privately regulate and enforce building sign colors, building sign letter and logo heights, and sign illumination – if all signs continue to comply with the requirements of the Sign Ordinance.

Process:

Requests to rescind outdated master sign programs begin with a Pre-Application submittal. Submit the following as part of the Pre-Application submittal:

1. Pre-Application Fee (under "Application Fees")
2. Narrative describing the scope of the request.
3. Landlord or designee written approval letter, signed and dated.
4. A copy of the outdated master sign program to rescind.

The Pre-Application and Staff Approval process typically takes up to 3 weeks for review. Once the Pre-Application is submitted, your assigned project coordinator may request additional documentation and provide a more specific review time frame, depending on the scope of the project.

Usage:

In some instances, a master sign program may not be rescinded if:

• A development is within the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Overlay (ESLO) District,
• A development with existing or proposed freestanding signs that include multiple tenant panels displaying the names of on-site businesses and/or the name of the development,
• Office developments with non-contiguous building wall signs,
• Developments that require a master sign program to utilize additional building signs as required by the Sign Ordinance, and
• Comprehensive Sign Programs (CSP) required as part of a Community Sign District (CSD).