City of Tempe, AZ
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Signs
Building / Wall-Mounted, Monument, Banner, Sign Packages
1. SIGN (SGN) PERMITS
- Sign applications and (re-)submittals must be submitted online through the Citizen Access Portal
“New” » “Planning/Signs” » “Planning” » “Sign Permit” [SGN] - All requisite items on the Sign Permit Submittal Checklist must be provided for an application to be accepted as Administratively Complete
- Incomplete applications may delay processing
- Sign Reviews are subject to Sign Permit Application Review Times
2. SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW (DPR) APPLICATIONS
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A Sign Package is required for all developments in mixed-use (MU-X) zoning districts, commercial centers with more than one tenant, and for single-tenant buildings which alter the space to accommodate additional tenant(s)
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Similar to creating a new sign package, amending an existing package requires a Sign Development Plan Review (DPR) application / approval
- Sign Package (DPR) applications requiring a Sign Development Plan Review shall be submitted to the Permit Center
“New” » “Planning/Signs” » “Planning” » “Planning Project” » “DPR”
3. BANNER PERMITS -- Approved Administratively by Permit Center
- Sign Type 'K' (Banner) permit applications must be submitted through the Citizen Access Portal. Once the request is received, the Permit Center will process each request within 24 to 48 business hours.
“New” » “Planning/Signs” » “Planning” » “Planning Project” » “Grand Opening Sign” - or - "Significant Event Sign" - Sign Type 'K' includes:
- Grand Opening (GO) 30 day permit; once per business
- Significant Event (SE) 21 day permit; twice per year -- days may be used non-consecutively (i.e. Back to School, Oktoberfest, Homecoming, Spring Break, Spring Training, etc.)
4. CONSTRUCTION FENCE PERMITS
- Sign Type 'J' (Construction Fencing / Hoarding Fence) permit applications must be submitted online through the Citizen Access Portal
- “New” » “Planning/Signs” » “Planning” » “Sign Permit” [SGN]
- Requisite submittal items include a site plan identifying proposed location(s), fully-dimensioned elevation(s), and a material description
- A licensed sign contractor is not required for this type of SGN application
- Per Tempe ZDC, Chapter 9 - Signs, Sign Type 'J':
- Any sign attached to a temporary construction fence located on a site that has been issued a Building Permit [BP] for construction
- Shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height
- Allowed only during time of Building Permit [BP] issuance until final Certificate of Occupancy, shall require a permit to occupy or encroach on public property/easements, and shall remain neat/orderly
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
For additional follow-up or questions, please contact projectassistance@tempe.gov or permitcenter@tempe.gov.
FAQ's
Per Tempe Zoning and Development Code Part 4, Chapter 9, Signs:
- Signs should be considered a component of the design concept for the site and building architecture. The size, proportion, and scale of signs contribute to the overall quality of a project when they can relate to building details rather than compete with them (e.g. signs which extend above the roof line, or cover architectural details, columns, or windows).
- In most instances, signage should be designed in proportion with respect to its size, location, and background. For example, signs having size to background ratios of 1 to 4, or 1 to 3, tend to be in better proportion than signs having ratios of 1 to 1, or 1 to 100. Further, signs shall not exceed 80% of their vertical / horizontal backgrounds.
- The utilization of quality materials for signs is encouraged in all instances. Color and material selection for signs should be related to the color scheme and texture of the building or project materials rather than depend upon "high contrast" factors in order to be effective.
FAQ's
Check approved design criterium for a commercial center or multi-tenant building on the citywide map: Sign Package Criteria.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
For additional follow-up or questions, please contact projectassistance@tempe.gov.
FAQ's
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- All new building-mounted and free-standing signs must obtain a sign permit
- If both are being installed at the same time and on the same site, they can be processed under one permit / application
- A comprehensive list of scope of work items that require a sign permit can be found in the Sign Permit Submittal Checklist
All sign applications require:
- Site Plan
- Elevations
- Details (proposed material(s), color(s), electrical specs, mounting details, etc.)
- Section(s) / cross-section(s)
- Property Owner Authorization [fillable .pdf; required is applicant is not the legal property owner]
NOTE: In accordance with state law, the Sign Permit Submittal Checklist has been established to identify required documents for administrative acceptance of sign permit applications. The Community Development Department is unable to accept Incomplete applications.
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In accordance with state law AZ Admin Code R 4-9-104, sign permit applications must be submitted by an Arizona Licensed Sign Contractor with an active CR-38 license.
Arizona Administrative Code R 4-9-104
Title 4 - Professions and Occupations
Chapter 9 - Registrar of Contractors
Article 1 - General Provisions
Section R4-9-104 - Dual Contractor License Classifications + Scopes of Work
CR-38 - Signs
- Visit Fees for the current fee schedule
- Current fee schedule is effective July 1 to June 30 (fiscal year)
SIGN PERMITS |
Fee includes Plan Review, initial field inspection, and one re-inspection |
| Individual / One Sign | $368 |
| Each Additional Sign | $140 |
| Grand Opening / Significant Event (Sign Type 'K') | $184 |
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Sign Package |
$553 |
| Unauthorized Installation of Sign(s) | Twice the Normal Fee |
NOTE: Per Tempe Zoning & Development Code - Chapter 35 -- any sign(s) installed without a permit issued in advance are subject to double fees.
Target Turn-Around Times
| First review (SGN) | 6-10 business days | |
| Re-submittal (SGN) | 3-5 business days | |
| Sign Development Plan Review (DPR) / Sign Package |
15 business days |
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- Per Tempe Zoning & Development Code, painted "signs" are not considered signage
- Painted murals are instead processed as a Commercial Art Mural application
- Any painted elements must be processed as a Commercial Art Mural (Minor DPR) application through the Planning Division
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Building-Mounted Sign
Sign area is measured using the smallest geometric shape [i.e. rectangle] that encompass entire sign copy area. Any letter, graphic, or backer panel will be considered sign copy area.
Free-standing / Monument Sign
Sign area is measured by the area contained within the geometric shape of the background panel or sign copy surface area.
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The maximum total area for the above signs on the premises for any one (1) business may be equal to forty (40) square feet plus one (1) square foot of sign area for every lineal foot of business frontage beyond forty (40) lineal feet, as measured by the business frontage.
- For in-line suites, the logo area may not exceed 25% of the total sign area, measured using the smallest shape that encompasses all portions of the sign
- For individual buildings or pad tenants, the maximum logo size will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
- Sealed / stamped drawings are required for all building-mounted signs which protrude 16” or more from the building façade, or free-standing signs which are 8’ or greater in height
- A Special Inspection Certificate (SIC) is also required for signs which meet this same criterium
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- Each parcel is allowed one free-standing sign for every 300 lineal feet of frontage
- Single-use buildings, complexes, or centers with up to four (4) tenants are permitted a twenty-four (24) square foot sign with four (4) tenant panels
- If there are more than four (4) tenants on the parcel, the complex or center is permitted a forty (40) square-foot sign with six (6) tenant panels
- On a parcel less than five acres, signs shall not exceed eight feet in height, and parcels over five acres shall not have freestanding signs taller than 10 feet
- All free-standing signs shall be constructed with a masonry base and must have minimum 6” address numerals on both sides of the base
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There are no setback requirements for freestanding signs, however, signs may not be located in an easement or public R.O.W., and must meet the clear vision requirements required by code
- Window signage is limited to 25% of the total window area and does not require a permit
- Illuminated window signs like an “open” or “closed” sign are permitted, but it is recommended to speak with a member of the Code Compliance Division for any proposed type of window signage
- Per Tempe Zoning & Development Code, Section 5-612 - Pedestrian Oriented Design Standards -- For all parcels with the Transportation Overlay District (T.O.D.):
- Required window areas must be either windows that allow views into working areas, lobbies, pedestrian entrances or display windows set into the wall
- Transparent areas shall allow views into the structure or into display windows from the outside
- Only clear or lightly tinted glass with up to fifty percent (50%) transparency for windows, doors, and display windows shall be considered transparent
- Opaque, etched, frosted or mirrored glass is not transparent