• 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:

1.  Site Plan 
2.  Elevations
3.  Details (proposed material(s), color(s), electrical specs, mounting details, etc.)
4.  Section(s) / cross-section(s) 
5.  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.  

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) 

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

• 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
  

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.  

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 

• 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

• 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