Oro Valley City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 28
Signs
Section 28.1 General Provisions
A. Purpose
1. The purpose of this chapter is to establish reasonable regulations for the design, construction, location, and maintenance of all exterior signs in the Town of Oro Valley in order to:
a. Preserve and protect the public health, safety, welfare, and convenience. Protect the general public from injury or damage which may be caused by faulty and uncontrolled construction or improper location of signs within the Town.
b. Provide for an effective form of communication while preserving the scenic beauty of the desert environment. Ensure that the signage is clear; compatible with the character of the adjacent architecture and neighborhoods; and provides the essential identity of, and direction to, facilities in the community.
c. Enhance the potential economic value and quality of development within the community, as well as promote and aid the tourism industry, an important part of the Town’s economy.
d. Promote the effectiveness of signs by preventing sign over-concentration, improper placement, excessive clutter, size, and number.
e. Safeguard and preserve the unique character of the Town and create an attractive and appealing community environment in which to live, work, and visit. Assure that the public benefits derived from the expenditure of public funds for the improvement and beautification of streets and other public structures and spaces shall be protected by exercising reasonable controls over the character and design of sign structures.
2. It is not the purpose of this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions of other laws or ordinances, except those specifically repealed by this chapter.
B. Requirement for Conformity
If any sign and/or sign structure is located, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted or maintained in violation of this chapter, the Town or any owner or tenant of real property aggrieved by the alleged violation, in addition to other remedies available at law, may institute appropriate injunction proceedings to correct the violation with the Oro Valley Magistrate Court.
C. Nonconforming and Discontinued Signs
1. Signs Rendered Nonconforming
a. If, at the time of the adoption of this chapter or amendment thereto, or of any extension of jurisdiction resulting from annexation, any permanent sign which is being used but does not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed legally nonconforming.
b. Any sign which becomes legally nonconforming shall be permitted to remain, provided the sign:
i. Is not increased in area or height;
ii. Remains structurally unchanged, except for reasonable repairs or minor alteration;
iii. If relocated, due to no fault of the owner, is placed in the same relative position on the remaining property that it occupied prior to the relocation;
iv. Is relocated in a manner so as to comply with applicable safety requirements; and
v. Is not discontinued per subsection C.2 of this section.
c. Alteration or Removal of Nonconforming Signs
i. A nonconforming sign shall not be re-erected, relocated (except as permitted above), or replaced unless it is brought into compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
ii. Any nonconforming sign shall be removed or rebuilt in full conformity to the terms of this chapter if it is damaged or allowed to deteriorate to such extent that the cost of repair or restoration is fifty percent (50%) or more of the costs and/or replacement of materials.
2. Signs Rendered Obsolete or Discontinued
a. With the exception of lease, rent, and for sale signs, any sign which is located on a property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period exceeding three (3) months shall be deemed to have been discontinued.
b. Sign structures which remain vacant, unoccupied, obsolete, devoid of any message or display a message pertaining to a time, event, or purpose that no longer applies for more than three (3) months shall be deemed discontinued.
c. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of the premises to remove any sign deemed discontinued subject to penalty as set forth in Section 30.2.
3. Change in Business
a. When a business establishment closes, relocates, changes names, or abandons any sign or structure, the owner of the property shall remove the sign, or cause it to be removed, within thirty (30) days of the change of business. If the sign is to be immediately re-faced with a new business name, a new sign permit shall be required and applicable fees shall be paid. A permit shall be nontransferable from one (1) owner to another.
b. A nonconforming sign shall be brought into compliance with the requirements of this chapter when a business establishment closes, relocates, changes names, or abandons any sign. A permit and applicable fees for the sign modifications are required.
D. Liabilities for Insurance and Damages
1. The provisions of this code shall not be construed to relieve or to limit in any way the responsibility or liability of any person, firm, or corporation which erects or owns any sign from personal injury or property damages caused by, or attributed to, such sign. The provisions of this code shall not be construed to impose upon the Town of Oro Valley, its officers or its employees any responsibility or liability by reason of the approval of any sign under the provisions of this code.
E. Prevailing Code
In the event a provision established in this chapter is found to be in conflict with another provision in the Oro Valley Zoning Code Revised, or any other Town Code, the more restrictive shall prevail.
In the event that a commercial, industrial, or residential development and/or subdivision should fall under a Planned Area Development (PAD), the rules and regulations of that PAD shall apply.
If the Town-adopted sign regulations/guidelines for any development project, including Planned Area Developments, do not specifically address any such sign standard, the provisions of this chapter shall apply.
F. Signs Prohibited by Omission
In addition to those signs, or sign types, specifically prohibited by Section 28.10, any sign, or type of sign, not specifically permitted under provisions of this code shall be prohibited.
Section 28.2 Procedures and Enforcement
The Planning and Zoning Administrator is responsible for enforcing this chapter pursuant to Sections 21.2.B.7 and 21.4.B.9. The Planning and Zoning Administrator is hereby authorized and empowered to ensure that all provisions of this chapter are met in fact and intent. The Planning and Zoning Administrator may appoint a designee to assure code compliance. The procedures to be followed in exercising this authority are outlined in Sections 28.2.C through F.
Review Process | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Application | Formal | Staff Review | Administrative | Planning and | |
Sign Permit | X | X | X | ||
Sign Criteria | X | X | X | ||
Master Sign Program | X | X | X | X | |
((O)17-05, 06/07/17)
A. Sign Permits, Fees, and Application Procedures
1. A sign permit shall be required in order to erect, install, relocate, modify, or change any sign within the Town of Oro Valley.
2. Approval of all temporary sign permits shall be at the discretion of the Planning and Zoning Administrator or his/her designee.
3. The Planning and Zoning Administrator or his/her designee shall authorize issuance of permits for permanent signs after applications have been reviewed by staff for code compliance. Any proposed Master Sign Program, amendments thereto, or PAD exemption is subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Once sign applications have been approved, any issuance of sign permits shall meet the approved sign standards for that development.
4. All electrical work associated with the sign installation must conform to the currently adopted versions of the National Electrical Code and must be reflected on the application.
5. Permit Fees
a. Upon approval of an application for the sign permit, the applicant shall be advised of the applicable fee. Permits will not be issued until all applicable fees have been collected. Fees shall be assessed according to a schedule adopted by the Town Council.
b. Exception: The owner of a nonconforming sign shall not be required to pay a fee for a permit to bring an existing sign into conformance with this Code.
6. Application shall be in accordance with Town policy.
7. Permit Expiration
a. All permits issued under this chapter, unless otherwise stipulated, shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not completed within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of such permit. Prior to expiration of the permit, the applicant may request an extension of the expiration date at the discretion of the Planning and Zoning Administrator and/or his/her appointee. Once the permit has expired, before such work can recommence, a new permit shall first be obtained and the fee shall be fifty percent (50%) of the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been, or will be, made to the original plans and specifications.
b. Any sign for which renewal fees have not been paid, and said remittance is delinquent for fourteen (14) or more days, is deemed to be an illegal sign, and said sign must be removed in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
B. Sign Criteria and Master Sign Program
Sign Criteria and Master Sign Programs are official documents that regulate signage within a multi-business site or development. An approved Sign Criteria or Master Sign Program is required prior to issuance of a sign permit for: (1) nonresidential multiple-occupancy buildings; (2) commercial, office, resorts, and/or industrial centers.
Any development, including single-occupancy developments within and/or adjacent to an existing development that share access and/or parking with that development, must: (1) follow the approved Sign Criteria or Master Sign Program for the existing development; or (2) submit a Sign Criteria or Master Sign Program. If the owner elects to follow the criteria or program of the existing center, no additional approvals are required prior to review and issuance of the sign permit.
1. Sign Criteria
a. A Sign Criteria is a set of proposed sign standards for a development that complies with the provisions of this chapter and Addendum A, Design Guidelines. Sign Criteria for areas within a PAD (Planned Area Development) shall comply with the provisions of the PAD.
b. A Sign Criteria requires review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
2. Master Sign Program
a. A Master Sign Program is a set of proposed sign standards for a development that proposed alternatives to the provisions of this chapter, and is intended to provide latitude in order to achieve variety and good design.
b. Master Sign Programs shall be based on the provisions of this chapter and shall conform to the purpose and intent of this chapter and to Addendum A, Design Guidelines.
c. Master Sign Programs shall include only those sign types permitted herein and may allow adjustments to the standards of those types, provided they are justifiable.
d. Master Sign Programs are intended to allow adjustments to the standards of multiple sign types and shall not be used for single-occupancy developments.
e. Master Sign Programs require review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval by the Town Council.
f. Compliance with these provisions does not guarantee approval by the Town Council.
3. Review of Sign Criteria and/or Master Sign Program shall be guided by the following:
a. Overall character of the entire development, including landscaping, architecture, topography, uses, and design.
b. Compliance with the criteria specified in Addendum A, Design Guidelines A-C.4 and the purpose statements of this chapter.
c. Any other applicable information that may be useful in the overall presentation of the proposed criteria for the development.
4. Consistency of typeface, illumination, and color is preferred if Sign Criteria or Master Sign Program have been approved, and then all requirements of that criteria or program must be utilized.
5. Application for Sign Criteria and/or Master Sign Program shall be updated in accordance with subsection A.5 of this section, Application, by the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
C. PAD Exemption
In the event that a Planned Area Development District (PAD) has established its own sign requirements, the owner of lands within the PAD, as determined by the Planning and Zoning Administrator, may elect to operate under all or a portion of this Chapter 28, Signs, in accordance with the procedures set forth below:
1. A letter requesting exemption from the specific PAD sign regulations must be submitted by the property owner within the PAD with a list of all homeowner/master associations within the affected area. The request shall be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
2. Not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Town staff shall verify the list of homeowners’ associations for accuracy and completeness and shall notify them by first class mail of the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing date.
3. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall forward a recommendation to Town Council. The Town Council shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the request.
D. Violations
1. Revocation of Permit
The Planning and Zoning Administrator may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this section whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a material omission or misstatement of fact, or is in violation of this chapter or the Oro Valley Town Code.
2. Signs Placed in the Public Right-of-Way
In the event that the requirements for temporary signs in the right-of-way are violated, the following procedures will be followed:
a. First Violation
The sign owner will be notified of the violation, the sign will be confiscated, and a recovery fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per sign will be assessed.
b. Second Violation by the Same Sign Owner
The sign owner will be notified of the violation. The sign will be confiscated and the sign owner will be assessed a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) per sign.
c. Third Violation by the Same Owner Within One Year
The sign owner will be notified of the violation. The sign will be confiscated and the sign owner will be assessed a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per sign.
d. A maximum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) in fines may be assessed to a sign owner per calendar year.
e. Additional Violations
i. Any additional violation by the same sign owner is subject to revocation of the sign permit.
ii. If a sign permit is revoked due to a violation, the permit fee shall not be refunded.
3. Sign Lighting
Documentation from the sign and/or sign lighting manufacturer, proving compliance with the lighting standards, shall be required at the time of permit submittal. Those documents will be kept on file at the Town as evidence of code compliance for follow-up inspections and complaints.
E. Abandoned, Illegal, Prohibited, or Inadequately Maintained Signs
If an abandoned, illegal, prohibited, or inadequately maintained sign is located within the Town, the Planning and Zoning Administrator shall be empowered to issue a citation. The Planning and Zoning Administrator may also require removal or repair of the sign and shall advise the owner of said sign, or as an alternative, the owner of the property where said sign has been posted, to correct whatever violation or inadequacy he/she deems to exist. All actual costs and expenses of any such removal or repair shall be borne by the property owner of such sign.
F. Emergency Removals and/or Repair
1. The Planning and Zoning Administrator is authorized to cause the immediate removal or repair of any sign or signs found to be unsafe or defective to the extent that it creates an immediate and emergency hazard to persons or property. The Planning and Zoning Administrator shall make reasonable effort to notify the property owner and/or lessee that the unsafe or defective sign must be removed or repaired immediately. The Planning and Zoning Administrator may cause any sign or advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed immediately after an attempt is made to reach the owner of the sign and the owner of the property, and without notice if the peril does not allow time for additional notice.
2. All actual costs and expenses of any sign removal or repair shall be borne by the owner of such sign and by the owner of the premises on which the sign is located. Each of them shall be jointly and severally liable therefor, and an action for recovery thereof may be brought by the Town upon proper documentation of such cost and/or expenses by the Planning and Zoning Administrator. The Planning and Zoning Administrator shall provide written notification to the property owner prior to the Town placing a lien on the property with the Pima County Assessor’s Office.
Section 28.3 General Sign Requirements
A. Construction
1. Building Code
All signs shall be designed and constructed in conformity with the current building codes of the Town of Oro Valley.
2. Electrical Code
All signs requiring an electrical permit per Section 28.2.A shall be in conformance with the current National Electrical Code adopted by the Town of Oro Valley.
3. Permanent Sign Materials
All permanent signs shall be constructed using structural members of materials subject to approval of the Building Official and/or Town Engineer. Nonstructural trim may be wood, metal, aluminum, approved plastics, and/or a combination thereof.
4. Temporary Sign Materials
Materials proposed to be used in constructing temporary signs shall be at the discretion of the fabricator but shall be stated in the application for the sign permit unless otherwise provided in this code. Adequacy of materials proposed from the standpoints of stability and safety and of composition and color shall be subject to approval by the Planning and Zoning Administrator and Building Official.
((O)16-09, 09/07/16)
B. Illumination
1. Illumination of signs, when permitted by this chapter, may be accomplished only by the following methods:
a. Halo or internal illumination, to the extent that only the sign characters and logos emit light, unless otherwise approved by the Planning and Zoning Administrator or the Planning and Zoning Commission.
b. Sign lighting may include neon, light emitting diodes (LED) and other light sources, except where expressly prohibited in this chapter, in accordance with the following standards:
i. Light sources shall be spaced the maximum distance to obtain uniformity on the face material.
ii. Color temperature shall not exceed four thousand four hundred (4,400) kelvins.
c. Area lighting provided such lighting is in accordance with the Town of Oro Valley Lighting Code.
d. Illuminated wall signs may be turned on no earlier than 5:00 a.m. and shall be turned off no later than 11:00 p.m. or when the business closes, whichever is later, or as specified in this chapter.
e. Electronic message boards such as LED, LCD, plasma screens and similar electronic message signs expressly permitted in this chapter shall meet the following standards:
i. Limited to two hundred (200) nits (candela per square meter), full white mode, from sunset to sunrise.
ii. Constant movement, blinking, flashing, high intensity, or animation caused by an LED or other electronic components of the sign is prohibited.
iii. Message shall not change more than once every twenty-four (24) hours or as State law requires the price of the product to change.
iv. Background of the electronic message board portion of the sign shall be black and no more than two (2) colors shall be allowed for words or numbers.
f. Sign plans submitted for permitting shall be sufficiently complete to enable the Planning and Zoning Administrator to readily ascertain code compliance. The Planning and Zoning Administrator may require additional evidence of compliance such as cut sheets, manufacturer specifications and documentation from the sign and/or sign lighting manufacturer, proving compliance with the lighting standards, which will be kept on file at the Town as evidence of code compliance for follow-up inspections and complaints.
g. A label must be attached to the exterior of sign indicating compliance with maximum kelvin or nit rating.
2. Prohibited Sign Lighting
The following types of light sources are prohibited as means to illuminate or attract attention to any sign:
a. Exposed light source other than as expressly permitted in window signs, Section 28.4.B.14, or as a component of an electronic message board.
b. LED illuminated window sign display areas per Section 28.4.B.14.
c. Blinking, flashing, rotating, constant movement and animated light sources.
d. Searchlights.
e. An illuminated sign placed on the interior of a business which is visible from the exterior shall not be illuminated when the business is closed, except “closed for business” signs.
C. Colors
1. Various sign colors shall be permitted, except fluorescent or iridescent colors.
2. All developments, including those within a Planned Area Development (PAD) that have approved Sign Criteria or Master Sign Program, are required to utilize only approved colors.
D. Location and Measurement Standards
1. Location Standards
A sign shall not be installed to cause the following:
a. Obstruction of any door, window, or fire escape in any building.
b. Interference with or to confuse traffic, present any traffic hazard or obstruct the vision of motorists.
c. Projections over any public sidewalk, street, alley, or public place unless otherwise approved by the Town Engineer and/or Planning and Zoning Administrator or is allowed by any portion of this chapter.
d. Placement in a public right-of-way, except as permitted by Sections 28.7 and 28.8. The Planning and Zoning Administrator or Town Engineer may cause the removal of any unauthorized signs from public right-of-way.
e. Obstruction of another sign, as determined by the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
2. Measurement Standards
a. The area of a sign that consists of individual letters, words and symbols, which are placed upon a building wall or freestanding wall and are not encompassed by a frame or boundary, shall be measured by the overall height of the tallest letter by the overall length of the entire sign. The Planning and Zoning Administrator may approve the calculation of signs by measuring the sum of the smallest rectangular shape needed to enclose each letter or symbol if special circumstances arise that would warrant the need to calculate differently.
b. A sign that consists of multiple faces, such as a monument sign, shall be measured to encompass the overall height by overall length of the largest face.
c. The sign height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the average finished grade beneath the sign to the topmost feature of the sign. If the sign is located where the average finished grade is lower than the adjoining grade of the road, the sign height may be taken from the roadway surface nearest the sign to the topmost portion of the sign.
d. Clearance is measured as the shortest distance between the underside of the sign and the average finished grade beneath the sign.
e. Setbacks for freestanding signs shall be measured from the edge of the sign structure closest to the property line.
((O)19-06, 07/31/19)
E. Inspections and Maintenance
1. Inspections
The Building Official, Planning and Zoning Administrator, and/or Town Engineer, or any such person officially designated by them, is hereby empowered to perform inspections, as deemed appropriate, to assure compliance with this code.
2. Maintenance
a. Each sign shall be maintained in a new or like-new condition at all times so as not to constitute a danger or hazard to public safety or become an eyesore to the community.
b. Repainting/Resurfacing of Signs
Maintenance of signage, such as repainting or resurfacing, shall not require any permits as long as the sign is in no way altered, changed, or modified from its previous state.
((O)16-09, 09/07/16)
F. Landscaping
1. The base for all permanent freestanding signs shall be integrated into a landscaped area.
2. The landscaped area shall conform to the Town’s landscape requirements and shall be maintained at all times.
3. The landscape design shall not permit plants that would obstruct the visibility of the sign face from the street.
Section 28.4 Permanent Signs
A. Identification Signs
1. The following signs shall be required for the purpose of identification:
a. Residential address.
b. Building address for multi-building development (Refer to the current Pima County Addressing Code Regulations).
c. Names of streets, drives, circles, complexes, condominiums, etc.
B. Permanent Signs in a Commercial/Industrial Zoning District
The following permanent sign types shall be allowed within a Commercial, Industrial and/or Private School Zoning District and for religious institutions as specified herein:
1. Awning Sign
a. Quantity: One (1) awning allowed per business.
b. Area of Sign Copy: Maximum twenty (20) square feet which shall count against the business’s sign area allotment.
d. Illumination: Internal illumination, fluorescent lamps, provided only the copy emits light. The background material shall be opaque. An awning sign must be turned off at the close of business.
2. Directional Sign
a. Quantity: One (1) single- or double-faced directional sign per individual, freestanding business that is not part of a Master Sign Program. Businesses that have drive-through lanes shall be allowed one (1) additional directional sign.
b. Area of Sign: Six (6) square feet.
c. Height: Not to exceed three (3) feet.
d. Location: To be located at an access point to the property and/or interior to the property of the business.
e. Setback: None unless otherwise required.
f. Illumination: Internal illumination allowed; provided, that the sign is turned off at the close of business.
Figure 28-3. Directional Sign
3. Directory Sign
a. Quantity: Shall be determined and reviewed on an individual project basis by the Planning and Zoning Administrator, when applicable. The guidelines set forth under an approved Sign Criteria or Master Sign Program shall be followed.
b. Area of Sign: Not to exceed forty (40) square feet, and not to exceed two (2) square feet for each business displayed on the sign.
c. Height: Not to exceed eight (8) feet from grade.
d. Location: Interior to the property or development, such as the parking area.
e. Setback: Minimum forty (40) feet from the property line.
f. Illumination: Internal illumination allowed; provided, that the sign is turned off by 11:00 p.m.
4. Entryway Sign
a. Quantity: Maximum of two (2) per entryway with one (1) located on each side of entryway. If the linear frontage of the project exceeds six hundred (600) feet and there is more than one (1) entry point along that frontage, two (2) additional signs may be permitted at the second entryway on that frontage. For projects with multiple street frontages, entryway signs are permitted on each frontage in accordance with the quantity and spacing requirements listed above.
b. Area of Sign: Thirty-two (32) square feet.
c. Height: Not to exceed six (6) feet or the height of the entryway wall on which the sign is placed.
d. Location: On private property, in a landscaped area at entryways, as described above.
e. Setback: None unless otherwise required.
f. Illumination: Halo illuminated letters or direct lighting that shall not project above the sign. The sign may be turned on at 5:00 a.m. and shall be turned off by 11:00 p.m.
Figure 28-4. Entryway Sign
Figure 28-5. Allowed Entryway Signs
5. (Repealed by (O)19-06, 07/31/19)
6. Menu Board
a. Quantity: Two (2) per drive-through lane.
b. Area of Sign: Thirty-two (32) square feet.
c. Height: Not to exceed six (6) feet.
d. Location: Within a designated drive-through lane so as not to be visible from adjacent streets or property, or another location approved by the Town.
e. Setback: Must be on private property and shall not pose a safety hazard.
f. Illumination: May be internally illuminated provided the menu board is turned off no later than one (1) hour after business is closed.
7. Monument Sign
a. Quantity:
ii. If frontage is greater than six hundred (600) feet and there is more than one (1) entrance to the development, a second sign is permitted.
iii. For frontages greater than eight hundred (800) feet, additional signs may be approved by the Town.
iv. A corner sign with frontage on both streets may be utilized as an additional allowable sign.
b. Area of Sign:
i. Fifty (50) square feet for a single tenant or the development name.
ii. Seventy-two (72) square feet for a multiple-tenant sign with tenant panels.
c. Height:
i. Not to exceed eight (8) feet from grade.
ii. An architectural element of the sign, such as an arch or column, may exceed the height of the monument sign by twenty-five percent (25%); provided, that all text and logos are less than eight (8) feet in height from grade.
d. Location: To be placed near the entrance or along a street frontage on private property.
e. Setback: None unless otherwise required.
f. Illumination:
i. Illumination may be halo, internal, or a combination thereof.
ii. Individual panels shall be opaque with copy that may be lit.
iii. Unused tenant panels shall be opaque and designed to match the rest of the sign.
iv. The sign may be turned on at 5:00 a.m. and shall be turned off no later than 11:00 p.m.
g. Design:
i. Blank tenant panels shall not be white.
ii. The sign may be single- or double-faced, with all supporting structures concealed.
iii. The sign may contain the name of the development and a maximum of eight (8) tenants, along with the property address.
iv. No one (1) tenant may be displayed more than once in one (1) monument sign.
h. Changeable Copy Standards for Monument Signs:
i. Uses are limited to the following:
a) Private schools.
c) Service stations, which are subject to subsection B.9 of this section.
d) Theaters, which are subject to subsection B.10 of this section.
e) Time/temperature, which are subject to subsection B.11 of this section.
ii. Quantity: One (1) allowed as an integrated part of a monument or wall sign.
iii. Size: Changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the proposed sign area.
iv. Illumination: Standards of Section 28.3.B shall apply.
v. Design:
a) Changeable copy may be done manually or with an electronic message board.
b) Electronic message boards shall be integrated into the monument sign.
8. Pedestrian Tenant Directory
a. Quantity: One (1) per building entrance, or as approved by the Town. If applicable, applicant shall follow the guidelines set forth under a Master Sign Program, Section 28.2.B.
b. Area of Sign: Maximum four (4) square-foot panel for the name of the complex and maximum two (2) square-foot panel for each business or resident within the complex.
c. Height: Shall be at eye level for pedestrian traffic and not exceed the roofline of a building.
d. Location: May be wall-mounted or freestanding at pedestrian entrance points to the complex and/or along pedestrian walkways.
e. Illumination: Sign shall be nonilluminated.
Figure 28-6. Pedestrian Tenant Directory
9. Service Station/Fuel Sign
b. Area of Sign: Thirty-two (32) square feet.
c. Height: Not to exceed six (6) feet from grade.
d. Location: On private property adjacent to an arterial or collector street only.
e. Setback: None unless otherwise required.
f. Illumination: Name and logo of the business may be internally illuminated.
g. Changeable copy standards for service station/fuel signs:
i. Uses are limited to the following:
a) Fuel prices.
b) Fuel types.
ii. Size: Changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the proposed sign area.
iii. Illumination: Standards of Section 28.3.B shall apply.
iv. Design:
a) Changeable copy may be done manually or with an electronic message board.
b) Electronic message boards shall be integrated into the monument sign.
Figure 28-7. Service Station/Fuel Sign
10. Theater Signs
a. Quantity: One (1) wall sign and one (1) monument style sign allowed.
b. Area of Sign: Fifty (50) square feet for a monument style sign and sixty-four (64) square feet for a wall sign.
c. Height: Eight (8) feet for a monument style sign. A wall sign shall not extend above the roofline of a building.
d. Location: A monument style sign shall be located on private property and a wall sign shall be displayed at the main entrance to the building.
e. Setback: None unless otherwise required.
f. Illumination: The sign may be internally illuminated or the copy may be electronically illuminated and shall meet the standards of Section 28.3.B. The sign may only display the current listing of movies and their times. No other advertising message is allowed. The sign shall be turned off one (1) hour after closing of theater.
Figure 28-8. Theater Sign
11. Time and Temperature Signs
a. Quantity: One (1) per development project.
b. Area of Sign: A time and temperature sign may be a component of a monument style sign. Wall signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet.
d. Location: On private property and shall not be located within six hundred (600) feet of another time and temperature sign, not including an analog mounted on a wall.
e. Illumination: Shall meet the standards of Section 28.3.B.
12. Under-Canopy Sign
a. Quantity: One (1) per tenant space.
b. Area of Sign: Four (4) square feet.
c. Height: A minimum clearance of seven (7) feet shall be maintained beneath the sign and shall not extend above a roofline of the building.
d. Location: The sign shall be in front of the tenant space it is identifying and shall be suspended from a roof overhang above a walkway or porch, or may be perpendicular to the street and attached to the fascia of the building.
e. Illumination: Shall be nonilluminated.
13. Wall Sign
a. A wall sign shall consist of individual character letters (pan channel or reverse pan channel).
i. Only individual logos may utilize cabinet sign type with a translucent sign face.
ii. Wall signs may include the name of the business, a trademarked logo, tagline, and modifiers, if needed, to further clarify the goods or services available on the premises.
b. Quantity:
i. No more than two (2) elevations may contain a wall sign.
ii. If a single tenant occupies an end unit or entire freestanding building, there may be signs on three (3) elevations, but only two (2) elevations may have illuminated wall signs.
iii. “End unit” refers to the end unit of a building in the final phase of a development.
c. Area of Sign: For building elevations containing wall signs, a sign may be:
i. Twenty-four (24) square feet, with no single wall sign containing more than one (1) square foot of sign for each linear foot of building frontage, for a maximum sign area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet.
ii. Wall signs for building elevations further than three hundred (300) feet from the street may contain no more than one and one-half (1 1/2) square feet of sign area for each linear foot of frontage, for a maximum sign area of two hundred (200) square feet.
iii. Where businesses do not possess individual frontages, each may maintain an individual sign; however, the maximum wall sign square footage shall not be exceeded.
iv. Taglines are not to exceed thirty-five percent (35%) of the actual area of the main wall sign, as permitted in this section.
v. May not project more than eight (8) inches from the wall on which the sign is mounted.
d. Height: No wall sign shall extend above the roofline of a building.
e. Location: Shall only be placed on the building elevations or at the main entrance of a business which the sign identifies.
f. Illumination:
i. Individual letters may be nonilluminated, halo illuminated or internally illuminated.
ii. Cabinet-type signs shall only emit light through the logo.
iii. Taglines may be halo or internally illuminated and shall only emit light through a translucent material over cut out letters or characters.
iv. The standards of Section 28.3.B shall apply.
g. Changeable Copy Standards For Wall Signs:
i. Uses are limited to the following:
a) Private schools.
d) Time/temperature. See subsection B.11 of this section.
ii. Quantity: One (1) allowed as an integrated part of a wall sign if changeable copy is not used on a monument sign.
iii. Size: Changeable copy portion of the sign, including frame, shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the proposed sign area.
iv. Illumination: Internal.
v. Design:
a) Changeable copy may not be changed electronically.
Figure 28-9. Wall Sign
14. Window Signs
a. General Requirements for All Window Signs:
i. As a crime prevention measure, window sections shall remain visually unobstructed between thirty-six (36) inches and eighty-four (84) inches from the building floor in the following areas:
a) Main customer doorway.
b) Sales transaction points if within sight of exterior letters, numbers or symbols no more than three (3) inches high used for the business name, contact, hours or required public notices are exempt.
b. Area of Sign:
i. No more than thirty percent (30%) of the window on which the sign is displayed.
ii. Sign copy on a window sign with letters or symbols no more than three (3) inches high shall not be counted as part of the sign area allotment when used for the business name, contact and hours.
c. Location: First floor building windows only.
d. Illumination:
i. Open/closed signs may be illuminated.
ii. A maximum of one (1) six (6) square-foot display area containing illumination is allowed per business regardless of length of store front or corner location.
iii. Hours: Sign may only be turned on at 5:00 a.m. and shall be turned off at 11:00 p.m.
iv. Movement: The sign shall not flash, blink, rotate, move or contain animation.
e. Any off-site advertisement displayed in a window is strictly prohibited unless otherwise specified in this chapter.
C. Permanent Signs Within a Residential Zoning District
The following permanent signs shall be allowed within a residential district:
1. Entryway Signs
Refer to subsection B.4 of this section.
2. Kiosk Signs
Refer to subsection B.5 of this section.
3. Monument and wall signs for religious institutions, private schools and public institutions are permitted in residential districts subject to Town approval.
Section 28.5 Temporary Signs
A. Requirements for All Temporary Signs
1. Any sign that penetrates the ground is subject to blue stake requirements.
2. Temporary signs shall not obscure, be attached to or mimic public traffic control devices, signage, or appurtenances.
3. Any damage to public or private property caused by signs placed within the right-of-way shall be the sole responsibility of the sign owner.
4. Standards for temporary sign materials are provided in Section 28.3.A.4, General Sign Requirements.
((O)16-09, 09/07/16)
B. Temporary Signs in a Commercial/Industrial Zoning District
The following temporary sign types shall be allowed within a Commercial and/or Industrial District and/or private school zoning district and for religious institutions as specified herein:
1. Banners
a. Requirements for All Banners
i. Installation: All banners shall be securely anchored to the wall and/or parapet wall of the building where the business is located. The banner shall not be hung as to obstruct a walkway. If freestanding, the banner must be attached to a solid perimeter frame in such a manner that the banner is taut and does not fold over. Banners shall not be hung from another sign structure, landscaping, utility pole, or similar structure.
ii. Materials: Banners must be made of durable Mylar, nylon fabric, or similar material.
iii. Banner lettering, images and background colors may be any color, including black or white, except fluorescent or iridescent colors.
iv. The sign appearance shall be professional, neat and legible (Figure 28-10).
Figure 28-10.
b. Banner Installed on a Building
i. Quantity: One (1) banner per business.
ii. Area of Sign: Maximum sixty (60) square feet.
iv. Location: Must be installed on the building and/or tenant space of the business.
v. Duration: The combined total time allowed for both wall and freestanding banners is one hundred twenty (120) days per calendar year. The one hundred twenty (120) day time period may be divided into not less than thirty (30) consecutive calendar days excluding special event banners.
vi. Removal: A banner must be removed by the expiration date of the permit.
c. Banner Installed as Freestanding Sign
i. Quantity: One (1) freestanding sign per business.
ii. Area of Sign: Maximum sixteen (16) square feet.
iii. Height: Not to exceed four (4) feet from grade for a freestanding sign.
iv. Location: On private property where the event is taking place and/or the merchandise is being sold. Banner is not allowed in the right-of-way.
v. Setback: None unless otherwise required.
vi. Duration: The combined total time allowed for both wall and freestanding banners is one hundred twenty (120) days per calendar year. The one hundred twenty (120) day time period may be divided into not less than thirty (30) consecutive calendar days excluding special event banners.
vii. Removal: A banner must be removed by the expiration date of the permit.
d. Three (3) Day Special Event Banner
i. Quantity: One (1) per street frontage. Not to exceed four (4) permits per calendar year.
ii. Area of Sign: Maximum sixty (60) square feet.
iii. Height: Maximum four (4) feet from grade for a freestanding sign. Wall-mounted signs shall not exceed the building roofline.
iv. Location: On private property where the event is taking place and/or the merchandise is being sold.
v. Setback: None unless otherwise required for public safety purposes.
vi. Duration: Each permit shall not exceed three (3) consecutive days.
2. Construction/Development Sign
a. Quantity: One (1) per street frontage. No one (1) development may have more than one (1) construction sign on a single street frontage.
b. Area of Sign: Maximum thirty-two (32) square feet.
c. Height: Not to exceed eight (8) feet from grade.
d. Location: On the property that is being developed.
e. Setback: None unless otherwise required for public safety purposes.
f. Removal: All signs must be removed upon the completion of ninety-five percent (95%) of the development, or within three (3) years from date of permit issuance, whichever comes first.
3. Flags
a. All national and state flags shall be allowed.
b. Quantity: Two (2) flag poles for each development and/or individual property.
c. Flag Size: The length of the flag shall be no greater than one-quarter (1/4) of the height of the flag pole.
d. Flag Pole Height: No greater than 1.25 times the height of the nearest primary building.
e. Location: Permitted in any zoning district and only on private property.
f. Setback: Located so that the flag does not overhang public right-of-way or create a public safety hazard.
g. Additional Requirements:
ii. A site plan shall be submitted for review of location and adequate setbacks.
iii. The use of flags for the purpose of advertising or with intent to advertise is strictly prohibited unless otherwise specified by this chapter.
4. Real Estate, Lease, Rent and For Sale Signs
a. The sign may be freestanding or wall-mounted, single- and/or double-faced.
c. Area of Sign: Maximum sixteen (16) square feet.
d. Height: Not to exceed eight (8) feet from grade.
e. Location: Upon the property that is being sold, rented or leased.
f. Setback: None unless otherwise required.
g. Permit: Sign permits for real estate, lease, rent, and for sale signs are valid for one (1) year. The permit may be re-issued in one (1) year increments.
h. Removal: Must be removed within seven (7) days upon the sale, rent, or lease of the property or expiration of the sign permit.
5. Seasonal Signs
a. Location: On private property and shall not be displayed in such a manner as to constitute a traffic hazard.
b. Removal: Must be removed within ten (10) days of the subject holiday.
c. Additional Requirements: A permit is required for all event-related signage under this chapter. A permit is not required for any other seasonal decoration.
6. Road Construction Sign
a. Applicability: Areas that will be directly impacted by a road construction project as determined by the Town Engineer and Planning and Zoning Administrator.
b. Type:
i. Sign may be a banner or rigid material such as wood, metal or similar material.
ii. Single- or double-faced.
iii. Copy may be modified after issuance of permit within the parameters set forth in the code.
iv. Any change in sign location will require a new permit.
v. Size of copy must be approved by the Town Engineer to assure safety.
c. Quantity:
i. One (1) sign for the commercial property per street frontage impacted by the road construction.
ii. If frontage is greater than six hundred (600) feet and there is more than one (1) entrance to the development, a second sign is permitted.
iii. If frontage is greater than eight hundred (800) feet, one (1) additional sign may be installed.
d. Area of Sign:
i. Thirty-two (32) square feet for a commercial property with one (1) to four (4) owners or business lessees.
ii. Sixty-four (64) square feet for a commercial property with five (5) or more owners or business lessees.
e. Height: Ten (10) feet.
f. Location: On private property where the business is located.
g. Setback: None, unless additional area is required for utility or road work. Town Engineer must determine if proposed location is safe and does not interfere with construction.
h. Illumination: None.
i. Color: Lettering and background may be any color except fluorescent or iridescent.
j. Duration: Length of time the sign is permitted will be determined by the Town Engineer and Planning and Zoning Administrator and shall not exceed substantial completion of the road construction project.
k. The Town Engineer and Planning and Zoning Administrator shall be permitted to administratively approve modifications to road construction signage if each of the following criteria have been satisfied:
i. There are unique circumstances due to road design or construction.
ii. The proposed changes do not have a greater overall impact than the allowed sign type.
iii. The proposed changes are based on existing standards from an allowed sign type in the zoning code.
7. Balloon(s)
a. Use: Allowed for a new business opening or change of ownership to promote a new business.
b. Quantity: Unlimited.
c. Area of Sign: Maximum eighteen (18) inches tall and standard round balloon shape.
d. Height: Not to exceed eight (8) feet in height (eight (8) feet includes balloon and tethering device) or shall not exceed a cumulative height of fifteen (15) feet from grade if the balloon is attached to a permanent structure such as a wall or monument sign. Balloons shall not be attached to the roof of a building.
e. Location: On private property where the business is located.
f. Duration: Maximum of five (5) consecutive days from the date of grand opening or issuance of sign permit related to change of ownership.
g. Color: Balloon and copy may be any color.
h. Illumination: None.
i. Additional Requirements:
i. Balloons shall not interfere with sight visibility or vehicular and/or pedestrian access and shall be secured at all times.
ii. Balloons shall be kept under control at all times and not allowed to be released into the sky.
iii. Littering laws as detailed in Town Code Article 9-4 shall apply to any balloon released into the sky and/or allowed to deflate onto the ground.
8. A-Frame Signs
a. Use: Intended to direct pedestrian traffic and shall not be solely oriented toward vehicular traffic.
b. Quantity: One (1) per business.
c. Area of Sign: Maximum six (6) square feet per side. Maximum of two (2) sides.
d. Height: Not to exceed forty-two (42) inches.
e. Location: On private property where the business is located within a commercial development with shared parking and access or a single parcel.
f. Additional Requirements:
i. Placement of sign shall allow for a four (4) foot unobstructed pathway for pedestrians.
ii. The sign shall not be placed in such a manner as to attract vehicular traffic from public roads (Figure 28.12).
iii. The sign shall not be displayed in a manner that will create a public safety hazard.
iv. Access ramps or vehicular sight lines shall not be obstructed.
v. Landscaping shall not be removed, altered or damaged by the placement of the signs.
g. Illumination: None.
h. Hours: During operating hours of the associated business.
i. Design:
i. The sign shall be self-supporting and not be attached to railings, posts, fencing or other structures.
ii. Carts, wheels or other devices that will make the A-frame mobile shall not be attached to the sign.
iii. Attachments such as flags, pennants, balloons or additional signs shall not be affixed to the A-frame.
iv. The sign appearance shall be professional and may not contain cloth or paper surfaces.
v. The sign shall be neat and legible. (Figure 28-11)
Figure 28-11. A-Frame Sign Locations
Figure 28-12. A-Frame Sign Locations
C. Temporary Signs in a Residential Zoning District
The following temporary signs shall be allowed within a residential zoning district:
2. Model Home/Custom Home Sales Lot Subdivision Signs
a. Construction/development signs (refer to subsection B.5 of this section).
3. Kiosk signs (refer to Section 28.6).
4. Model Home Complex Banners
a. Three (3) day, seasonal or event banners in accordance with Section 28.5.
b. Saturday and Sunday banners are permitted at model home complexes.
i. Quantity: One (1) per model home.
ii. Area: Maximum thirty-two (32) square feet.
iii. Location: Shall be on private property of the model home complex. May be wall-mounted or freestanding.
iv. Height: Wall-mounted shall not extend above the roofline. Freestanding shall not exceed five (5) feet from grade.
v. Setback: None.
vi. Duration:
a) Shall be mounted only on Saturdays and Sundays for one hundred four (104) days.
b) May be permitted for an additional sixteen (16) days for the purpose of opening the model home or model home complex.
vii. Removal: May be placed not more than one (1) day before the advertised event and must be removed within one (1) day after the event.
5. Model Home Complex Advertising Flags
a. Quantity: Maximum of four (4) poles/flags.
b. Area of Flag: Maximum fifteen (15) square feet.
c. Height: Poles shall not exceed twenty (20) feet from grade.
d. Location: May be located within the model home complex or parking area, subject to Town Engineer approval.
e. Setback: Minimum five (5) feet from the property line or determined by the Town Engineer.
f. Removal: Must be removed within seven (7) days after the closing of the model home office.
g. Additional Requirements:
ii. May not be illuminated.
6. Model Home Complex On-Site Signs
a. Location: Within the model home complex/custom home lot sales office and shall be located so as to not interfere with the flow of traffic or within a sight visibility triangle. Signs may be freestanding, wall-mounted, or integrated into an awning type structure.
b. Removal: All signs must be removed within seven (7) days after the closing of the sales office or model home office.
7. Individual Model Unit Identification Sign
a. Quantity: One (1) identification sign for model home units.
b. Area of Signs: Individual model units maximum four (4) square feet.
c. Height: Maximum three (3) feet.
8. Informational Sign
a. Quantity: One (1) per model home complex.
b. Area: Maximum sixteen (16) square feet.
c. Height: Maximum five (5) feet.
9. Parking Lot Directional Sign
a. Quantity: One (1) parking lot directional sign.
b. Area: Maximum six (6) square feet.
c. Height: Maximum three (3) feet from grade.
d. Location: Shall be located at the driveway entrance to the designated parking area.
10. Off-Site Signs (Interior to the Subdivision)
a. Quantity: The number of signs allowed is based on the number of intersections or changes of direction of subdivision streets, as approved and deemed necessary by the Planning and Zoning Administrator or Town Engineer.
b. Area of Sign: One and one-half (1-1/2) feet by two (2) feet, or three (3) square feet.
c. Height: Thirty (30) inches.
d. Location: An interior, off-site sign shall be located along streets within the subdivision. Such signs shall be located on private property with the permission of the property owner.
e. Setback: None unless otherwise required.
f. Removal: All signs shall be removed within seven (7) days of the closure of the sales office or model home office.
11. On-Site Subdivision Signs
a. Quantity: One (1) freestanding sign per subdivision. The Planning and Zoning Administrator may approve a second on-site subdivision sign if deemed necessary.
b. Area of Sign: Forty (40) square feet.
c. Height: Ten (10) feet. The height may be increased to twelve (12) feet by approval of the Planning and Zoning Administrator if visibility of the sign is obstructed.
d. Location: At the access point on private property with the permission from the property owner.
e. Setback: None.
f. Removal: Within seven (7) days of the sale of one hundred percent (100%) of the lots of the subdivision or one hundred eighty (180) days after closure of sales office, whichever comes first. Signs may remain on unsold lots in accordance with subsection C.7 of this section.
12. Real Estate, Lease, Rent, and For Sale Signs
a. Quantity: One (1) for each street frontage which abuts the property.
b. Area of Sign: Four (4) square feet.
c. Height: Maximum of six (6) feet from grade. The Planning and Zoning Administrator may approve heights up to ten (10) feet, if warranted.
d. Location: Only on the lot or site of the dwelling offered for sale, lease, or rent.
e. Setback: None unless otherwise required.
f. Permit: Sign permits for real estate, lease, rent, and for sale signs are valid for one (1) year. The permit may be re-issued.
g. Removal: Within seven (7) days upon the sale, lease, or rent of the property.
Section 28.6 Permanent Signs on Public Property
A. Permitted Permanent Signs on Public Property
Sign Type | Location | Quantity | Size | Maximum Height | Illumination | Duration | Permit Required/Permit Type | Additional Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kiosk | Right-of-way of an arterial or collector street | Per the contract approved by the Town | Panels: 8" wide by 4' long Base: 5' wide | Base 8' | None | Until less than 3 placards are on the sign | Yes: ROW permit | Per contract |
Monument or Entryway | Right-of-way of a major or minor arterial road as defined in the Town’s General Plan | One of the signs allowed by Section 28.4.B.4 or 28.4.B.7 may be located in the right-of-way of each street frontage | Refer to Section 28.4.B.4, Entryway sign, or 28.4.B.7, Monument sign | N/A | Yes: • License agreement • Sign permit • ADOT approval if applicable | Refer to subsection B of this section. | ||
B. Monument or Entryway Sign Standards for Location in the Right-of-Way
1. Location Standards
a. A right-of-way depth of at least one hundred (100) feet shall be required between the paved surface of the road (including turn lane and shoulder) and the subject property line. Areas where the right-of-way depth changes for drainage ways, bridges and similar structures shall not be included in the one hundred (100) foot minimum.
b. Sufficient evidence shall be provided demonstrating that sign locations normally allowed by the Zoning Code do not provide effective and safe wayfinding as detailed in the intersection site distance detail of the Town of Oro Valley’s Subdivision Street Standards and Policies Manual.
c. The one hundred (100) foot depth requirement, between the paved surface and the subject property line, may be reduced to not less than twenty (20) feet if the following conditions apply:
i. The vehicular speed of the road combined with the clear zones and adequate visibility defined by the Town’s sight visibility triangle criteria are met.
ii. The intersection sight distance table demonstrates the sign could not be safely seen. Self-imposed conditions, such as built structures built on the site, will not qualify for a reduction of the distance requirement.
d. The sign shall be located no more than fifty (50) feet from either side of an entrance to the property associated with the sign.
e. No electronic message boards shall be placed on a sign in the right-of-way.
2. Upon satisfaction of the Town Engineer and Planning and Zoning Administrator that the sign has met all safety and location requirements, the request will be forwarded for review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town Council, in addition to the required license agreement, for placement in the right-of-way.
Section 28.7 Temporary Signs on Public Property
Table 28-1. Permitted Temporary Signs on Public Property
Size (Maximums) | Location | Quantity | Maximum Height from Grade | Duration | Permit Type Required | Applicable Standards |
4 square feet | Right-of-way | 1 per change of direction | 30" | 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Right-of-way permit 3-day, 120-day, annual | |
9 square feet | Designated sign zones only | 1 per sign zone | 3' 6" | N/A | No | |
16 square feet | Right-of-way | 4 at any given time | 5' | 16 days | Yes: ROW permit and installation request | A sign 5 square feet or less will not require installation by the Town. Also refer to subsections A through E and G of this section |
Sign walker 20 square feet maximum, 4 square feet minimum | Right-of-way | N/A | N/A | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | No | Refer to subsections B.1.a, B.1.c and B.1.d of this section Sign walker per the standards of the Arizona State Statute |
A. General Requirements for All Temporary Signs in the Right-of-Way
1. A sign that penetrates the ground is subject to blue stake verification.
2. Temporary signs shall not obscure, be attached to or mimic public traffic control devices, signage, public property or appurtenances.
3. Any damage to public or private property caused by signs placed within the right-of-way shall be the sole responsibility of the sign owner.
4. Standards for temporary sign materials are provided in Section 28.3.A.4, General Sign Requirements.
5. Any sign that would require installation by the Public Works Department is also subject to installation fees.
6. Signs that require a permit must have the permit number written on the sign.
B. Location
1. Signs shall not be placed:
a. Within a median.
b. On a sidewalk, multi-use path or pedestrian access ramp.
c. In a construction zone.
d. In any area that may cause or create a traffic hazard or obscure any sight distances and must maintain the required “clear zone” as approved by the Town Engineer.
e. No signs may be placed in a right-of-way controlled by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
C. Setback
1. Temporary signs shall be placed a minimum of ten (10) feet from the paved surface of the roadway.
a. If a sidewalk, multi-use path or trail is located within that ten (10) foot setback, the sign must be placed along the outside edge of the sidewalk, multi-use path or trail without projecting over the said trail/path.
2. Temporary signs placed next to a street with a speed limit of twenty-five (25) miles per hour or less may:
a. Be placed no closer than five (5) feet from paved surface of roadway.
b. If a sidewalk, multi-use path or trail is within the five (5) foot setback, the sign must be placed along the outside edge of the sidewalk, multi-use path or trail without projecting over the said trail/path.
D. Illumination
1. None.
E. Design
1. May be single- or double-faced.
2. Must be clear and legible.
3. Shall be neat and professional in appearance.
4. May include H-frame, I-frame and A-frame sign types.
F. Designated Sign Zone Requirements
1. Temporary sign zones as established by the Town are three hundred (300) to five hundred (500) square feet in size and no more than two (2) zones may be located at or near the intersection.
a. Within the Town Hall Complex: Such zone shall be no greater than two hundred (200) square feet. Moreover, temporary sign zones shall not be located within one hundred fifty (150 feet) of any entrance to the Town Hall Complex.
b. At or near Town parks: temporary sign zones shall not be located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any entrance to Town parks.
c. Approved temporary sign zones are depicted on the “Temporary Sign Zone Map.”
G. Signs protected by the Arizona Revised Statutes shall be allowed within the limits of the State Statute.
Section 28.8 Temporary Public and Quasi-Public Signs
A. Duration
1. A permit for a public or quasi-public sign shall be valid for no more than two (2) weeks.
2. No more than three (3) permits shall be issued to any institution or organization in a calendar year.
B. Design
Signs may be freestanding and/or wall-mounted, made of paper, cardboard, plastic, or fabric. Banners used for public and quasi-public purposes shall comply with Section 28.5.B.1, Banners. All copy, color, and design shall not adversely affect the order, amenity, or residential enjoyment of the neighborhood.
C. Wall Sign
2. Area of Sign for Religious Institution: Thirty (30) square feet.
D. Announcement Sign
2. Area of Sign for Religious Institution: Twenty-four (24) square feet.
3. Area of Sign for Other Public Institutions: Twenty-four (24) square feet.
4. Height: Shall not exceed eight (8) feet from grade.
E. Special Event
1. Quantity: One (1) wall sign.
2. Quantity: One (1) freestanding sign.
3. Area of Sign for Institutional: Thirty (30) square feet.
4. Height: Six (6) feet from grade.
F. Location
All signs shall be placed on private property. Special event signs shall be located on the premises of the institution or organization having the event.
G. Setback
None.
H. Additional Requirements
1. Any sign may be single- or double-faced.
2. No sign shall be allowed to illuminate.
3. All signs shall be soundly constructed and neat in appearance.
4. The application for a public or quasi-public sign shall include a statement and diagram noting the nature of the special event and shall indicate the location, size, copy, and colors of the proposed sign.
I. Removal
Any signs announcing a special event shall be removed within one (1) day after the event is completed.
Section 28.9 Prohibited Signs
A. Prohibited Permanent and Temporary Signs
The following permanent and temporary signs shall not be allowed on any property or public right-of-way and are prohibited unless otherwise specified within this chapter.
1. Billboards;
2. Electronic message centers, except as provided by Sections 28.4.B.7, 9, 10 and 11;
3. Exposed neon signs, except as provided by Section 28.4.B.14;
4. Flashing lights;
6. Inflatable signs, except as provided by Section 28.5.B.7;
7. Marquee signs;
8. Moving/animated signs; except barber-type animated signs are allowed for barbershops during business hours only;
9. Obscene signs;
10. Off-site advertising on public property;
11. Off-site signs;
13. Portable signs (sandwich board, etc.), except as provided in Section 28.5.B.8;
14. Projecting signs;
15. Roof signs;
16. Searchlights;
18. Signs in the median;
19. Vehicle signs.
Section 28.10 Exempted Signs
A. Code Limitations
1. Nothing contained herein shall prevent the erection, construction and maintenance of the following:
a. Official traffic, street identification, or roadway improvement signs.
b. Fire or police signs, signals, or devices to alert the public of safety hazards.
c. Markings of the State of Arizona and/or Town of Oro Valley or other authorized agency.
d. Official notices as required by law.
B. Exempted Permanent and Temporary Signs
1. The following signs shall be exempt from the application and permit regulations of this chapter, although an electrical or building permit may be required:
a. Address Identification Signs: Signs which display numerals, street names, drives, circles, or similar information which gives direction to residents, buildings, complexes, apartments, commercial sites, tenants spaces or other locations.
b. Governmental signs for identification of public agencies such as traffic, public transit, and public information.
c. Historical Marker: A sign locating and identifying a historical interest or site.
d. Informational/service signs including official notices of court; public office and legal notices posted for Town meetings; as well as safety-related informational signs located on service station pumps.
e. Interior Signs: Signs which are displayed within a concealed area such as a tenant space or building and cannot be seen from the exterior by the public.
f. Memorial Sign: A sign, table, or plaque memorializing a person, event, or site.
g. Noncommercial signs on private property that are not related to business or commerce and are no more than nine (9) square feet in area and three (3) feet in height.
h. Residential Signs: Name and address of occupants.
i. Traffic Sign: A sign used solely to define and streamline the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic so as to minimize congestion and promote safety.
j. Warning Signs: Warning and instructional signs such as “No Trespassing” shall be exempt from permits and shall not be installed on utility poles or similar structures.