Sedona City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 6
Signs
6.1. Title
This Article shall be known as the “Sedona Sign Ordinance.”
6.2. Purpose
A. The Council finds that the natural surroundings, climate, history, and people of the City provide the Sedona community with its unique charm and beauty. This Article has been adopted to ensure that all signs installed in the City are compatible with the unique character and environment of the community, and in compliance with the Community Plan.
B. The purpose of this article is to promote public health, safety, and welfare through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory sign standards and requirements, including the following specific purposes:
(1) To promote and accomplish the goals, policies, and objectives of the Community Plan;
(2) To balance public and private objectives by allowing adequate avenues for both commercial and noncommercial messages;
(3) To recognize free speech rights by regulating signs in a content-neutral manner;
(4) To improve pedestrian and traffic safety by promoting the free flow of traffic and the protection of pedestrians and motorists from injury and property damage caused by, or which may be fully or partially attributable to, cluttered, distracting, and/or illegible signage;
(5) To protect the aesthetic beauty of the City’s natural and built environment for the citizens of and visitors to the City, and to protect prominent viewsheds within the community;
(6) To prevent property damage, personal injury, and litter from signs which are improperly constructed, poorly maintained, or made of unstable materials;
(7) To protect property values, the local economy, and the quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscape; and
(8) To provide consistent sign design standards that enables the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
C. This article is not intended to and does not restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. No part of this article shall be construed to favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech. A noncommercial message may be substituted for another noncommercial message displayed on a sign, or the content of any noncommercial message displayed on a sign may be changed to a different noncommercial message, without the need for any approval or permit; provided, that the size of the sign is not altered. To the extent any provision of this article is ambiguous, the term shall be interpreted not to regulate on the basis of the content of the message.
6.3. Definitions
6.4. Administration
6.5. General Standards Applicable to All Signs
6.6. Sign Measurements and Calculations
6.7. Design Standards Applicable to All Signs
This section provides minimum design guidance for all signs, regardless of specific type or location. These guidelines address issues related to sign legibility, placement, color, materials, and illumination. These guidelines are intended to ensure business owners install quality signs that add to and support the character and unique beauty of Sedona. Following these standards from the onset of a project will help to ensure that the signs are designed as an integral element of the building design architecture and not as an afterthought.
6.8. Exempt Signs
6.9. Permanent Signs (Commercial Districts)
6.10. Permanent Signs (State Route 89A Character District)
As Uptown Sedona is a characterized as a predominately pedestrian area, it is recognized that different sign standards are needed. For properties that have been identified in the Administrative Manual (Appendix C) as being part of the Uptown 89A Character District, the design standards applicable to commercial signs will apply with the following exceptions:
6.11. Permanent Signs (Residential Districts)
6.12. Permanent Signs (Special Use, Community Facilities)
6.13. Permanent Signs (Parks and Recreation Uses)
The following regulations shall apply to the specific permanent signs as indicated public parks and recreation uses and subject to the issuance of a sign permit.
A. Signage necessary for the safe and orderly operation of the parks and recreation facilities is permitted. This could include, but is not limited to, facility identification, posting of park rules, directional signs, and hours of operation. Signs over three feet in height or signs visible from off site require a permit.
B. A Master Sign Plan may be approved for public parks and recreation facilities.
6.14. Temporary Signs
6.15. Prohibited Signs
Signs that are not specifically authorized are expressly prohibited. Prohibited signs include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. Pole signs;
B. Internally illuminated cabinet signs;
C. Plastic signs are prohibited except as otherwise provided;
E. Signs having intermittent or flashing illumination, animated or moving parts, rotating or simulating movement by any means of fluttering, spinning or reflection devices or that emit sound, except as otherwise permitted;
G. Freestanding changeable copy signs, except as otherwise provided;
H. Banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, flags, search lights, strobe lights, beacons, inflatable signs, and costumed characters, except as otherwise provided;
K. Signs that in any way obstruct the view of, be susceptible to, or be confused with an official traffic sign, signal or device or any other official sign, as defined by the Director;
L. Signs that in any way imitate any official sign, including, but not limited to, color and font style, as defined by the Director;
M. Signs that use words, phrases, symbols, or characters implying the existence of danger or the need for stopping or maneuvering of a motor vehicle, or create in any way an unsafe distraction for motor vehicle operators;
N. Signs that obstruct the view of motor vehicle operators, bicyclists and pedestrians entering a public roadway from any parking area, service drive, private driveway, alley or other thoroughfare;
O. Signs that obstruct free ingress to or egress from required door, window, fire escape or other required exit;
P. Any sign placed on City-owned property, except as otherwise provided;
Q. Any sign placed on private property without the property owner’s written approval;
S. Signs attached to any fences, utility poles, trees, shrubs, rocks or other natural objects, unless specifically included in the design and are approved by the Director;
T. Signs constituting a hazard to safety, health or public welfare;
U. Neon signs where the light source is visible from the public right-of-way, except as otherwise provided;
V. Roof-mounted signs; (See Figure 6-21.)
Figure 6-21: Roof-Mounted Sign
W. Signs painted on or attached to vehicles or fleet of vehicles which are parked conspicuously on the public right-of-way or on private premises for the purpose of circumventing the intention of these regulations;
X. Sandwich board, A-frame, portable and other similar types of signs, except as otherwise provided;
Y. Signs with reflective surfaces;
Z. Temporary signs, except as otherwise provided;
AA. Walking signs, including costumed characters used for commercial advertising purposes, which are visible from any public right-of-way, any adjacent building, or any public area, except as otherwise provided;
BB. Signs with any statement, symbol or picture of an obscene nature;
CC. Signs in districts designated “Open Space and Recreation” are prohibited, except as otherwise provided;
DD. Signs with exposed raceways and conduit.
A. Permit Required
B. Permit Process
C. Inspections for Permit
(1) All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by and approval of the Director.
(2) Footing inspections may be required for all signs having footings, subject to review and approval by the Director.
(3) All signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions of the International Building Code as adopted, and the electrical components used shall bear the label of an approved testing agency.
D. Master Sign Plans
For some developments, alternative standards and flexibility in the established standards may enhance the aesthetic qualities of the development and the community. Approval of a Master Sign Plan allows for unified presentation of signage throughout a development site, flexibility to provide for unique environments, and pre-approval of designs and design elements to make sign review more efficient.
(1) Approval Required
a. New construction or redevelopment projects shall obtain approval of a Master Sign Plan as part of the development review process as set forth in Section 8.4.A, Development Review, prior to any signs being erected.
b. All signs erected or maintained shall conform at all times to the approved Master Sign Plan. Any deviations from an approved Master Sign Plan shall be unlawful unless and until a revised Master Sign Plan is approved.
c. For developments covering multiple properties, the property owner(s) may elect to have the entire development considered a unified development site for the purposes of the Master Sign Plan.
(2) Master Sign Plan Requirements
a. Contents
A Master Sign Plan shall set forth a master plan for all signage for an entire parcel or development site and include the following information:
1. Sign dimensions and approximate locations;
2. Materials and colors;
3. Proposed illumination, including illumination levels;
4. Maximum numbers of items of information per sign face;
5. A design theme with illustrative examples of each sign type and the proposed general locations of each sign type;
6. A demonstration that the Master Sign Plan will improve the aesthetics of the development and will not have an adverse impact on the use, enjoyment, or value of property in adjacent or nearby residential districts; and
7. Any other maps, drawings or materials as required by the Director (including a colored rendering of the sign) to adequately describe the sign proposal. The application and any exhibits shall become the property of the City.
b. Prohibited Signs and Sign Elements
Prohibited signs and sign elements are not eligible for inclusion in a Master Sign Plan unless specifically indicated in this article.
c. Architectural Theme
All signs shall be architecturally integrated into or complimentary to the design of the building(s) and character of the site, and shall use similar and coordinated design features, materials, and colors. The Master Sign Plan shall establish an integrated architectural vocabulary and cohesive theme for the development site.
d. Community Character
The signage proposed in a Master Sign Plan shall not have an adverse impact on the community character of the district in which the development site is located, or of the City of Sedona.
e. Nonconforming Signs
If there are existing signs on site, they shall be treated in accordance with Section 1.6.G, Nonconforming Signs, upon adoption of the Master Sign Plan.
(3) Master Sign Plan – Flexibility Criteria
a. Generally
Signage which is proposed as part of a Master Sign Plan may deviate from the standards of this article as outlined below.
b. Height, Area, Number, and Location of Signs
1. The height, area, number, and location of signs permitted through the Master Sign Plan shall be determined based on the following criteria:
i. The overall size of the development site and the scale of the use or uses located or anticipated to be located there (larger land areas and scales of use tend to favor larger signs and/or more signs);
ii. Relationship between the building setback and sign location (additional signage may be appropriate for buildings with less visibility, particularly where buffering is providing an aesthetic and/or environmental benefit to the City);
iii. Length of frontage on a public right-of-way (larger frontages may justify more or larger signs, particularly if the size of the frontage tends to prevent sign clutter from multiple adjacent parcels);
iv. Classification of street the development site fronts on (frontage along an arterial or collector street may justify more or larger signs than frontage along a local street);
v. Access and visibility to the site;
vi. Intended traffic circulation pattern and the need for wayfinding;
vii. Hierarchy of signage;
viii. Relationship between the site and adjacent uses;
ix. The desired function of the site; and
x. Consistency with the objectives and design policies of the Community Plan and any applicable Community Focus Area plans.
c. Lighting
Lighting standards shall not deviate from the standards of this article.
(4) Master Sign Plan Review
a. Generally
Master Sign Plans for new construction or redevelopment shall be reviewed as part of the development review process as set forth in Section 8.4.A, Development Review.
b. Director Approval
Master Sign Plans that deviate from the standards of this article, as allowed by this section, by no more than 10 percent may be approved by the Director.
c. Planning and Zoning Commission Approval
Master Sign Plans that deviate by more than 10 percent require approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, in accordance with the development review process as set forth in Section 8.4.A, Development Review.
d. Director Referral to Planning and Zoning Commission
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Director may require any Master Sign Plan to be considered by the Commission at a public hearing on the basis of location, visually related impacts, or in conjunction with other aspects of overall site development or improvements.
(5) Individual Sign Permits
Individual sign permits are required for signs installed in compliance with an approved Master Sign Plan that conforms with the provisions of this article.
(6) Amendments
A Master Sign Plan may be amended in the same manner in which the original Master Sign Plan was approved. Amendments that deviate from the standards of this article by no more than 10 percent, or amendments that are in compliance with the standards of this article, may be approved by the Director.
A. General
Unless specifically exempted, the standards contained in this section shall apply to all signs within the City of Sedona.
B. Abandoned Signs
The property owner shall be responsible for removing abandoned signs within five days.
C. Clearance to Utility Lines
Signs shall not be located with less than five feet, six inches horizontal or 10 feet vertical clearance from overhead electric conductors that are energized not more than 750 volts. Signs shall not be located with less than eight feet, six inches horizontal or 11 feet vertical clearance from overhead electric conductors that are energized in excess of 750 volts.
D. Clearance over Pedestrian Walkways or Vehicular Drives
E. Component Painting
F. Historic Preservation
Where signage is to be placed on or associated with a designated historic landmark, the design, graphics and materials of such signage shall be consistent with the historic character and context of the structure or site and be in compliance with the landmark approval.
G. Location
(1) No signs shall be placed on or about public property or within any public right-of-way, unless otherwise permitted. Such signs may be deemed refuse and subject to removal by the Director.
(2) No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere with free use of all fire appliances, including hydrants, standpipes, automatic fire sprinkler connections, and the like. Fire lanes shall not be obstructed by the placement of any sign or sign structure.
(3) No sign shall obstruct any window to such an extent that any light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by any law or ordinance.
H. Maintenance
(1) All signs shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.
(2) Any sign determined by the Director to be a hazard to safety, health, or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or electrical shall be remedied immediately.
I. Landscaping
When landscaping is required in conjunction with a sign, the landscape area shall be maintained by the property owner and shall be kept in a neat and clean condition, free of weeds and rubbish.
J. Traffic Visibility Triangle
For traffic safety, signs located within the triangular area on a corner lot formed by measuring 30 feet along both street side property lines from their intersection or 10 feet from the intersection of a property line adjacent and parallel to a public street and a private street or driveway shall maintain a three-foot maximum top height. The City Engineer may approve a sign within the traffic visibility triangle if it can be demonstrated that it does not impact traffic safety. On a site-specific basis, as an alternative, the City Engineer may apply AASHTO standards based on a site-specific evaluation of intersection visibility.
A. Sign Area
(1) Sign area is calculated as the area within a continuous perimeter with up to eight straight sides that encloses the limits of text and graphics of a sign, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign’s message from the background against which it is placed. (See Figure 6-1, Figure 6-2, and Figure 6-3.) The area excludes the structure upon which the sign is placed (unless the structure is an integral part of the display or used to differentiate it), but includes any open space contained within the outer limits of the display face of a sign, or between any component, panel, strip, or figure of any kind composing the display face, whether this open space is enclosed by a frame or border or not.
(2) Support structures will not be counted against total sign area as long as such elements are appropriately scaled to the size of the copy as determined by the Director.
Figure 6-1: Building Sign Area
Figure 6-2: Monument Sign Area
Figure 6-3: Projected Sign Area
B. Sign Height
(1) Sign height is measured as the vertical distance from the average elevation of the finish grade within a six-foot radius at the base of the sign to the top of the sign, including all backgrounds and support structures, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or landscaping, solely done for the purpose of locating the sign.
(2) If natural grade at the base of a sign is lower than the grade of an adjacent road, the height of the sign may be measured from the top of curb elevation. (See Figure 6-4.)
Figure 6-4: Sign Height
C. Items of Information
An item of information is a word, logo, abbreviation, symbol, geometric shape, image, or number with 10 or fewer digits (punctuation of numbers does not increase the number of items of information).
A. Sign Legibility
In the interest of public safety, the following standards are meant to ensure that signs have adequate visibility and legibility. Deviations may be permitted through approval of a Master Sign Plan if it can be shown that the proposed deviation will not have a negative impact on visibility and legibility of the sign.
(1) Signs 15 Square Feet or Less
a. Maximum of seven items of information;
b. Maximum of two font styles.
(2) Signs over 15 Square Feet (See Figure 6-5)
a. Maximum of 12 items of information;
b. Maximum of three font styles.
Figure 6-5: Sign Legibility
(3) Items of Information (see Section 6.6, Sign Measurements and Calculations)
A brief message should be used whenever possible. A sign with a brief, succinct message is simpler and faster to read, looks cleaner, and is generally more attractive.
(4) Font Styles
a. An effective sign should do more than attract attention; it should communicate its message clearly. This is directly related to the readability of words and phrases. The most significant influence on legibility is lettering style and spacing. Typefaces that are difficult to read reduce the sign’s ability to communicate. Crowding letters, words, or lines will make any sign more difficult to read. Conversely, over-spacing these elements causes the viewer to read each item individually, again obscuring the message.
b. Signs should use letters on a contrasting background.
c. There should be an adequate amount of contrast between the colors to increase legibility. If there is little contrast between the brightness or hue of the message of a sign and its background, it will be difficult to read.
B. Sign Placement
In order to assist in wayfinding, signs throughout a development site should be placed in a strategic manner, in similar locations and in a similar fashion throughout the center so that customers can easily identify business locations.
(1) Wayfinding signs for businesses shall be placed at or near the public entrance or main parking area to indicate the most direct access to the business.
(2) Signs shall be placed consistent with the proportions of the building’s façade. For example, a particular sign may fit well on an upper, more basic wall, but would overpower and obstruct the finer detail of a lower storefront area.
(3) Signs shall not be located so that they cover or interrupt the architectural details or ornamentation of a building’s façade.
(4) Signs shall not be mounted higher than the eave line or top of the parapet wall of the building and no portions of the sign shall extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.
(5) The location and extent of signs and advertising should not obstruct scenic views.
(6) Repetitious signage information on the same building frontage should be avoided.
C. Sign Color
The City of Sedona has long placed a strong emphasis on building design and aesthetics, including regulations of color to ensure the built environment blends into the surrounding natural environment. In order to ensure the signs adhere to this same standard, sign colors are regulated in a similar way to building colors.
(1) Sign colors shall provide sufficient contrast to be legible, yet be subdued enough to blend with the natural landscape and/or surrounding structures.
(2) Background colors shall be limited to no more than three on a single sign. Too many colors overwhelm the viewer’s ability to process fast what the sign is communicating. Limit use of accent colors to increase legibility.
(3) The background area of a sign, exclusive of any letters, words, or symbols, shall comply with the exterior color requirements of Section 5.7.F(5), Building Color, except as noted below.
a. Not more than 10 percent of the sign background area shall exceed these color requirements.
b. Natural materials including, but not limited to, rock, natural wood, tile, and brick, which do not comply with these color requirements, may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Director.
(4) Text colors are not subject to the same color restrictions as background colors, but should provide sufficient contrast. Bright and glossy or fluorescent colors and reflective surfaces are prohibited.
(5) Sign colors shall relate to and complement the materials or color scheme of the buildings, including accent and trim colors.
(6) Signs may be painted directly on building façades. The Director shall review such requests on a case-by-case basis and make a determination based on a review of whether the proposed sign interferes with the architectural integrity of the building.
D. Sign Materials
(1) Materials shall be selected with consideration for the architectural design of the building’s façade. Sign materials shall complement the architecture and materials of the structure.
(2) Acceptable sign materials include:
a. Wood (carved, sandblasted, etched, sealed and painted, or stained).
b. Red rock and river rock.
c. Tile (painted, sealed, inlaid tiles).
d. Metal, including rusted metal (formed, etched, cast, engraved, primed or factory coated).
e. Stucco, when used to match an existing building on site.
f. High density sign foam, when designed to successfully imitate another acceptable sign material.
g. Decorative iron or wood brackets are preferred for sign hardware support.
h. Requests to use alternative materials may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Director.
(3) Signs with Relief
a. Signs with relief are encouraged but not required.
b. The total base sign area may increase by 20 percent when a minimum of 50 percent of the total copy area incorporates three-dimensional relief. (See Figure 6-6.)
Figure 6-6: Signs with Relief
E. Sign Illumination
Sign illumination is necessary to ensure businesses can be found when open after dark. However, as a Dark Sky Community, Sedona seeks to limit outdoor lighting to only what is necessary and to minimize light pollution. The following illumination standards seek to achieve a balance between providing sufficient sign lighting while ensuring maintenance of the dark skies.
(1) Illumination is only permitted on permanent signs in commercial districts. Temporary signs and signs in residential districts cannot be illuminated, unless approved as a part of a Master Sign Plan.
(2) The intensity of sign lighting shall not exceed that necessary to illuminate and make legible a sign from the adjacent travel way or closest right-of-way; and the illumination of a sign shall not be obtrusive to the surrounding area as determined by the Director.
(3) Signs should only be illuminated if the existing ambient light (such as from street lights or from interior lighting from a building) is not sufficient to light the sign.
(4) When illumination is used, the light shall be contained to the sign and no light shall spill over.
(5) Illumination for signs shall conform to all provisions of Section 5.8, Exterior Lighting. Sign lighting shall be treated as Class 1 lighting and shall conform to the lamp, shielding, and time restrictions and shall count towards the lumen cap for the property.
(6) Sign illumination shall be limited to a maximum of two different colors.
(7) External Illumination
a. Fixtures chosen for external illumination shall be architecturally compatible with the building to which they are attached.
b. Externally lit signs shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare. (See Figure 6-7.)
Figure 6-7: Externally Lit Building Sign
c. External lighting fixtures shall be fully shielded and directed down.
d. Ground mounted uplighting may be used when it can be demonstrated that no light will spill off of the sign face. (See Figure 6-8.)
Figure 6-8: Ground Mounted Uplighting of Monument Sign
(8) Internal Illumination
Internally illuminated signs are prohibited except as permitted below:
a. Individual halo-lit letters with solid opaque faces that do not permit any light to come through the face and that are silhouetted against a softly illuminated wall. (See Figure 6-9.)
Figure 6-9: Individual Halo-Lit Letters with Opaque Face
b. Metal-faced box signs with cut-out letters and soft-glow lighting sources. (See Figure 6-10.)
Figure 6-10: Opaque Face with Soft Glow Letters
(9) Prohibited Illumination Methods
a. Light bulbs or lighting tubes used for illuminating a sign shall not be visible from adjacent public rights-of-way or residential properties.
b. The fixtures used to illuminate signs shall not be directed toward nearby residential properties.
c. Other than one sign per business, with a maximum of two square feet, digital or electronically lit messages of any kind, or signs having the same effect, are prohibited.
d. Blinking, rotating, flashing, hanging, or reflecting lights are prohibited.
e. Visible raceways and transformers for individual letters are prohibited.
A. Bumper Stickers
Bumper stickers affixed to motor vehicles.
B. Event Posters and Announcements
Posters, flyers and announcements promoting events may be displayed, but shall not contain advertisements for products or services not associated with the event. Displays of event announcements shall not exceed one poster, a maximum size of 11 inches by 17 inches, per business, and shall not be placed on the exterior of a building or structure.
C. Cornerstones
D. Flags
The flag, pennant, or insignia of any nation, organization of nations, state, province, county, city, any religious, civic or fraternal organization, or educational institution. A temporary sign permit shall be required when such are used in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device; see Section 6.14.B(2), Temporary Signs, Commercial Districts.
E. Governmental Signs
Any sign, posting, notice or similar signs placed, installed or required by law by a city, county, or a federal or state governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Emergency and warning signs necessary for public safety or civil defense;
(2) Traffic signs erected and maintained by an authorized public agency;
(3) Signs required to be displayed by law;
(4) Signs directing the public to points of interest; and
(5) Signs showing the location of public facilities.
F. Historic Plaques
Historic plaques erected or provided by the City designating an area of historical significance.
G. Information Signs
Information signs on commercial properties are limited to a maximum of two square feet per business entrance.
H. Display Boxes
Display boxes of up to two square feet are allowed for restaurants, bars, and lounges. Display boxes may be illuminated with fully shielded fixtures. A permit shall be obtained for display boxes larger than two square feet, and the area in excess of the permitted two square feet shall be counted against the total allowable sign area for the business.
I. Official Notices
J. On-Site Directional Signs
One directional sign per property or development site, no more than three feet in height and four square feet in area, located outside of the front and exterior side setback areas, to aid in traffic circulation and wayfinding within a developed site. Additional on-site directional signs may be permitted through the approval of a Master Sign Plan. [Res. 2019-19 Exh. A, 10-8-19].
K. Outline Lighting
Outline lighting and decorative strings of lights are authorized without a permit only from Thanksgiving to the following January 15. After January 15, lighting in residential areas must be turned off, and in commercial areas, it must be turned off and removed from buildings and structures. Such lighting shall be installed in a way that does not create a public nuisance or hazard.
L. Political Signs
(1) The City encourages political signs to be placed in a way that limits the negative aesthetic effects of numerous large political signs throughout the City and serves to fulfill the City’s vision of enhancing its natural beauty.
(2) Political signs are permitted in compliance with A.R.S. §16-1019.
M. Residential Nameplates, Street Address or Combination
N. Seasonal Decorations
Temporary, noncommercial decorations or displays, when such are clearly incidental to, and are customarily or commonly associated with, any national, local or religious celebration; provided, that such decorations or displays are maintained in an attractive condition and do not constitute a fire hazard.
O. Signs Authorized by Law
Signs required or specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance; provided, however, that no such sign shall be placed in a public right-of-way unless specifically required or authorized by law, statute or ordinance, and, except for warning signs or barricades of a temporary nature, such signs shall be permanently affixed to the ground, a building or other structure. Such signs shall not exceed the minimum number required to accomplish the purpose.
P. Signs not Readable from the Public Right-of-Way
(1) Signs or displays located entirely inside of a building and not visible from the building’s exterior;
(2) Official signs located within City recreation facilities and placed by City of Sedona officials in the performance of their duties to provide information related to City recreation facilities and programs.
Q. Signs on Vehicles
Signs displayed on motor vehicles or trailers which are being operated or stored in the normal course of business, such as signs indicating the name of the owner or business which are located on delivery trucks, trailers and the like. Business vehicles shall be parked in an assigned parking space which is not immediately adjacent to a street frontage.
R. Street Address Signs
Each property must display its legally assigned street number in accordance with Sedona City Code Chapter 12.20 (Street Naming and Addressing), Section 12.20.070 (Addressing Standards) and applicable Fire Code requirements. Legally assigned street address numbers must be incorporated into a property’s monument sign. If the property does not have a monument sign, the address number must be clearly displayed on the building or appropriate wall. The address number must be of a contrasting color with the background to which they are attached. Letters or numbers shall have a maximum height of 150 percent of the required minimum height, as set forth in the City Code and the Fire Code.
S. Symbols
T. Temporary Signs on Properties Offered for Sale, Lease, or Rent
Temporary signs on properties offered for sale, lease, or rent, are permitted on site as follows:
(1) All Single-Family Residential Zones
One sign per property is permitted. Signs must be nonilluminated, constructed of durable materials, placed only on the property for sale, rent, or lease, be no more than six feet in height, and be no larger than six square feet in area.
(2) All Multifamily, Mixed-Use, Commercial and Nonresidential Zones
One sign per street frontage is permitted. Signs must be nonilluminated, constructed of durable materials, placed only on the property for sale, rent, or lease, be no more than six feet in height, and be no larger than 12 square feet in area.
(3) All signs shall be removed within 15 days from the date of sale, lease or rental. [Res. 2019-19 Exh. A, 10-8-19].
U. Warning Signs
Temporary or permanent signs erected by the City, public utility companies or construction companies to warn of danger or hazardous conditions, including signs indicating the presence of underground cables, gas lines or similar devices.
V. Window Display
Merchandise or models of products or services that are incorporated as an integral part of an indoor window display.
W. Window Signs
Window signs covering no more than 10 percent of a window.
X. Works of Art
A. Generally
(1) The following regulations apply to signs within commercial zoning districts within the City of Sedona. These include the following zones: Mixed Use Neighborhood (M1), Mixed Use Office (M2), Commercial (CO), Light Industrial (IN), and Lodging (L). In addition, properties within the Planned Development (PD) District with commercial uses would be included in this category.
(2) For new and remodeled shopping centers, a comprehensive sign program for all signs in the center shall be developed. If a property has an approved Master Sign Plan or a sign plan approved in compliance with this article, that plan shall take precedence over these regulations.
(3) For sign computation purposes, the following shall be considered a single property or development site:
a. A commercial condominium building or complex; and
b. Businesses associated by a common agreement or ownership with common parking facilities or housed in one structure.
(4) When two or more tenants occupy one building space with a common entrance, they shall be considered one tenant for sign computation purposes.
B. Business Tenant Signs
(1) Business tenant signs are permitted per business and sign area accumulates for each separate business on a property.
(2) For properties or development sites with a single tenant, tenant signage with a maximum area of 25 square feet is permitted. On properties exceeding a 60-foot lot frontage on a single street, this area may be increased in area by one square foot for each three lineal feet of building frontage in excess of 60 feet, up to a maximum of 50 square feet. Multifamily residential uses are allowed a maximum sign area of 25 square feet for identification purposes but cannot increase this area based on lot or building frontage.
(3) For properties or development sites with two or more tenants, tenant signage with a maximum area of 15 square feet is permitted for each tenant with a primary entrance on a street, parking lot, courtyard, or mall. For tenants exceeding a 36-foot building frontage, the sign area may be increased in area by one square foot for each three lineal feet of building frontage in excess of 36 feet, up to a maximum of 50 square feet.
(4) Business tenant signs shall be located on a wall of the building that contains the business. Business tenant signs are prohibited within the front and exterior side setback areas. Within the IN zoning district, where an approved use does not include a principal building containing the business, a business tenant sign may be placed on a wall or fence either within or outside the required setback area and considered as a “building sign” per subsection 6.9.B(5)a.
(5) The following signs are considered business tenant signs. The cumulative area of all signs used by the business may not exceed the limits as set forth above.
a. Building Signs
1. Building signs shall not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than that is required for construction purposes and in no case more than 12 inches.
2. New building signs for individual businesses in a shopping center shall be placed consistent with the location of signs for other businesses in the center. This will establish visual continuity among storefronts and create a unified appearance for the center.
Figure 6-11: Building Sign
b. Projecting and Suspended Signs
1. Hanging signs should be simple in design and not used to compete with existing signage at the site, such as building signs.
2. On a multi-storied building, the sign shall be suspended between the bottom of the second story windowsills and the top of the doors or windows of the first story. On a one-story building, the top of the sign should be in line with the lowest point of the roof. (See Figure 6-12.)
Figure 6-12: Suspended Under-Canopy Sign
3. The two sides of a projecting or suspended sign must be parallel back to back, and shall not exceed 10 inches in thickness.
4. A projecting sign shall be hung at right angles to the building and shall not extend more than four feet from a building wall. (See Figure 6-13.)
Figure 6-13: Projecting Sign
5. The top of the sign should be in line with whichever is the most successful application of scale, linear continuity or visibility as determined by the Director.
6. No sign shall overhang any public right-of-way (including sidewalks) without approval from the relevant organization having jurisdiction over the right-of-way. Such signs shall be covered by a public liability insurance policy which names the City as the insured party.
7. Sign supports and brackets shall be compatible with the design and scale of the building. Decorative metal and wood brackets are encouraged.
8. To avoid damaging brick and stonework; brackets shall be designed to be bolted into masonry joints.
9. Internal illumination of projecting signs is prohibited.
c. Awning Signs
1. The text of awning signs shall be located only on the valance portion of the awning. Letter color shall be contrasting with the awning and the building color scheme. (See Figure 6-14.)
2. The shape, design, and color of awnings should coordinate with, and not dominate, the architectural style of the building. Where multiple awnings are used on a building, the design and color of the sign awnings shall be consistent with all other awnings.
3. Backlit and internally illuminated awnings are prohibited.
4. Only permanent signs that are an integral part of the canopy or awning shall be used.
Figure 6-14: Awning Sign
d. Window Signs
1. Interior signs 24 inches or less from the window are considered as exterior advertising signs.
2. Window signs (permanent or temporary) shall not cover more than 25 percent of the area of each window. Signs that cover 10 percent or less of the window do not count towards the total business sign allowance.
3. Window signs shall be primarily individual letters intended to be viewed from outside. Glass-mounted graphics may be applied as long as they comply with the 25-percent limitation.
4. Electronic or LED monitors (such as TV screens) shall not be used as window signs. [Ord. 2020-04 § 1, 9-8-20 (Res. 2020-16); Res. 2019-19 Exh. A, 10-8-19].
C. Site Signs
(1) Site signs are permitted for each individual parcel or group of parcels that the owners have declared to be a development site for sign purposes. Sign area accumulates for the parcel or development site, regardless of the number of businesses on that parcel.
(2) The following signs are considered site signs, are allotted per property, and shall not count against the total allowable signage for any one business. These signs are permitted at the discretion of the property owner and/or property management company.
a. Monument (Freestanding) Signs
1. There shall be no more than one monument sign per street frontage per site and a maximum of two monument signs per site.
Figure 6-15: Monument Sign
2. A landscaped area equivalent to the area of each sign face of a monument sign shall be maintained. Landscaping should be designed to ensure the long-term readability of the sign.
i. On properties that install a monument sign in an area landscaped in accordance with Section 5.6.C(2)a, Street Frontage Landscaping, one of the following may be applied:
a. Base sign area may be increased by 20 percent; or
b. Sign height may be increased by 25 percent.
c. An increase in sign height does not permit additional sign area, except as otherwise permitted by this article.
d. An increase in sign height is not permitted if it would violate another provision of the LDC (e.g., site visibility triangle, wall height).
3. Monument signs are permitted a maximum area of 25 square feet and maximum height of eight feet. Multifamily residential uses are allowed a maximum sign area of 25 square feet for identification purposes but cannot increase this area based on lot or building frontage. On properties which exceed a 300-foot lot frontage on a single street, one of the following two options may be applied:
i. The maximum sign area may be increased to 35 square feet.
ii. A second monument sign on a single frontage may be permitted provided there is a minimum of 250 feet separation between the two signs. If this option is used, the maximum of two monument signs per property does not change.
4. The sign base shall have a minimum aggregate width of 75 percent of the width of the sign cabinet or face.
5. Monument signs shall be placed perpendicular to the street.
6. Monument signs shall incorporate architectural elements, details, and articulation consistent with the primary building on the site.
7. Each monument sign shall incorporate the legally assigned address number.
8. For properties where a monument sign is not used, the Director may allow additional building signage for center identification in lieu of a monument sign, subject to the same maximum area as the monument sign.
b. Directional Signs
1. Directional signs shall be placed at the driveway entrance to a lot, parcel or multiple use lot or parcel. There shall be no more than one directional sign per driveway.
2. No directional sign shall be greater than six square feet in area or have height greater than three feet above grade.
3. No more than 25 percent of the area of a directional sign may be devoted to business identification.
4. Directional signs shall not be permitted at a driveway entrance where there is a separate monument sign, but directional signage may be incorporated into the monument sign. Directional information incorporated into a monument sign shall not count towards the total allowable sign area for the monument sign.
Figure 6-16: Directional Sign
c. Directory Signs
1. Directory signs may be provided for individual businesses or occupants of the same building or building complex, in accordance with the following:
i. The display board shall be of an integrated and uniform design.
ii. One directory sign is permitted at each pedestrian entrance to the building complex, with a maximum of two per development site.
iii. Directory signs may be wall-mounted or monument signs.
iv. Such signs shall not exceed six feet in height.
v. Each tenant business is permitted a maximum of 0.5 square feet on a directory sign and the building identification shall not exceed two square feet. The total area of any directory sign shall not exceed 15 square feet.
2. Directory signs shall not be subject to items of information restrictions (see Section 6.7.A, Sign Legibility).
Figure 6-17: Directory Sign
d. Service (Gas) Station Signs
1. Each service station or other business selling automotive fuel is permitted one price sign for each street frontage not to exceed eight square feet in area and eight feet in height.
2. Service station signs shall be incorporated into the main monument sign but shall not count towards the maximum allowable square footage when used solely for gas pricing.
3. “Self/full serve” signs not to exceed three square feet in area each are permitted on each end of each pump island.
4. Any other signs may be considered through approval of a Master Sign Plan, including, but not limited to, signs affixed to the top or sides of an operable fuel dispensing pump or trash containers.
e. Drive-Thru Board Signs
1. Board signs shall maintain a minimum setback of 25 feet from front and street side property lines.
2. Maximum of 30 square feet and six feet in height.
3. Internal illumination of board signs, including digital displays, is permitted.
4. Shall be designed with a solid base. The design, materials, and finish of the base shall match the building.
5. Screening of board signs from the public right-of-way is required through use of the building, walls, fences, or landscaping, subject to review and approval by the Director.
6. A maximum of one sign per drive thru is permitted.
7. If speakers are used, they shall be subject to the City of Sedona’s noise ordinance (Sedona City Code Chapter 8.25, Sound Regulations – Sound Control).
f. Signs for Vacation Timeshare Solicitors, Vacation Club Solicitors, Timeshare Sellers and Vacation Club Membership Sellers
Within the City of Sedona, all signage at all locations engaged in the commercial solicitation of vacation club membership plans, timeshares or timeshare plans, including, but not limited to, off-premises canvassing (OPC) locations, kiosks, or podiums located adjacent to public rights-of-way, shall comply with the requirements of Sedona City Code Chapter 8.15 (Nuisances), Section 8.15.023 (Provisions related to signs for vacation timeshare solicitors, vacation club solicitors, timeshare sellers and vacation club membership sellers).
A. Business Tenant Signs
(1) For properties or development sites with a single tenant, tenant signage with a maximum area of 12.5 square feet is permitted. On properties exceeding a 30-foot lot frontage on a single street, this area may be increased in area by one square foot for each three lineal feet of building frontage in excess of 30 feet, up to a maximum of 25 square feet.
(2) For properties or development sites with two or more tenants, tenant signage with a maximum area of 9 square feet is permitted for each tenant with a primary entrance on a street, parking lot, courtyard or mall. For tenants exceeding an 18-foot building frontage, the sign area may be increased in area by one square foot for each three lineal feet of building frontage in excess of 18 feet, up to a maximum of 25 square feet.
B. Under Canopy Signs
(1) Where a building sign is not visible to pedestrian traffic in a covered walkway, an under-canopy identification sign of up to three square feet is allowed. Square footage for an under canopy sign does not count towards the maximum area for the business sign.
(2) Where the building design does not permit an under canopy sign with an eight-foot clearance, the Director may approve a minimum clearance of seven feet.
A. Directional Signs
(1) Directional signs are prohibited for single-family residential uses.
(2) There shall be no more than one directional sign per driveway entrance to a lot, parcel or multiple use lot or parcel.
(3) No directional sign shall be greater than six square feet in area and have height greater than three feet above grade.
(4) Directional signs shall not be permitted at a driveway entrance where there is an identification sign, but directional signage may be incorporated into the identification sign. Directional information incorporated into an identification sign shall not count towards the total allowable sign area for the identification sign.
B. Identification Signs
(1) One identification sign per property is permitted. However, if the property exceeds two acres in area and has frontage along more than one public right-of-way, a maximum of two signs are permitted, with no more than one sign adjacent to each street frontage.
(2) Signs for single-family residential uses shall not exceed six square feet in area per face and may be double-faced.
(3) Signs for uses other than single-family residential shall not exceed 12 square feet in area per face and may be double-faced.
(4) An identification sign may be a wall-mounted or monument sign. The height of a monument sign shall not exceed three feet above grade.
C. Subdivision Entrance Signs
(1) Not more than two permanent subdivision identification signs are permitted for each primary entrance to a recorded subdivision.
(2) Each sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area per face and may be double-faced.
(3) A subdivision entrance sign may be a wall-mounted or monument sign. The height of a monument sign shall not exceed three feet above grade.
(4) A landscaped area equivalent to the area of each sign face of a monument sign shall be maintained. Landscaping should be designed to ensure the long-term readability of the sign.
a. On properties that install a monument sign in an area landscaped in accordance with Section 5.6.C(2)a, Street Frontage Landscaping, one of the following may be applied:
1. Base sign area may be increased by 20 percent; or
2. Sign height may be increased by 25 percent.
3. An increase in sign height does not permit additional sign area, except as otherwise permitted by this article.
4. An increase in sign height is not permitted if it would violate another provision of the LDC (e.g., site visibility triangle, wall height).
5. Subdivisions with entrances off of an arterial street may apply for a Master Sign Plan to allow additional or larger signs to ensure readability from the adjacent roadway.
A. Nonresidential Uses
Signage for nonresidential uses within special use and community facilities districts, and is subject to the provisions of Section 6.9, Permanent Signs (Commercial Districts), with the following exceptions:
(1) Directional Signs
Directional signs are limited to a maximum area of four square feet. All other provisions apply.
(2) Directory Signs
Directory signs are limited to a maximum area of 10 square feet. All other provisions apply.
(3) Monument (Freestanding) Signs
Monument signs are limited to a maximum area of 12 square feet and a maximum height of five feet. No more than one monument sign is permitted per property. All other provisions apply.
B. Residential Uses
C. Master Sign Plan
The above requirements may be modified through approval of a Master Sign Plan.
A. Standards Applicable to Temporary Signs
Design standards related to color, font styles, and items of information are not applicable for temporary signs.
(1) Sign Area
Sign area shall include the entire sign, including background and text.
(2) Sign Location
Signs shall not be placed in the ADOT right-of-way, traffic medians, public sidewalks or bicycle paths and shall be located so as not to create a hazard for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(3) Sign Installation
Temporary signs shall be installed in such a way that ensures they do not create a safety hazard.
(4) Sign Illumination
Illumination of temporary signs is prohibited. [Res. 2019-19 Exh. A, 10-8-19].
B. Standards Applicable to Specific Temporary Sign Types
The following regulations shall apply to the specific temporary signs as indicated and subject to the issuance of a temporary sign permit.
(1) Temporary Signs, Residential Districts
a. Up to four temporary signs may be placed either on the owner’s property or off site for the purpose of directing the public when the property owner is opening the property to the public for a residential or nonprofit activity (e.g., real estate open house, garage/yard sale, estate sale), subject to the following:
1. Maximum of one sign may be located on site.
2. Maximum of three signs may be located off site, with no more than one sign per turning movement.
3. Signs may be displayed a maximum of 12 times per year.
b. Signs may be displayed between the hours of 7:00 am and 8:00 pm.
c. Signs shall not exceed three square feet in area and three feet in height.
d. Signs shall not be illuminated.
e. Signs may be placed in City of Sedona right-of-way in residential districts, but shall not be attached to any trees, fences, utility poles, light posts, street signs, or any other public facility located within City right-of-way.
f. Signs shall have sufficient weight and durability to withstand wind gusts, storms, and other weather elements.
g. Signs shall not be made of flimsy or unstable materials such as cardboard boxes, poster board, or paper.
h. Signs shall not have attachments, including, but not limited to, balloons, ribbons, loud speakers, etc.
i. Signs may be placed on privately owned property within residential districts with the written permission of the property owner.
j. Accepting payment or any form of compensation for the placement of off-premises signs is prohibited.
k. Temporary signs in residential districts shall be used only for wayfinding purposes.
l. Violations are subject to any and all adopted fees and enforcement policies and regulations.
(2) Temporary Signs, Commercial Districts
a. Temporary signs are allowed in commercial districts subject to the limitations of this section.
b. Temporary signs in commercial districts may be displayed on site five times per year for a maximum of five consecutive days each time.
c. New businesses shall be permitted to display one temporary sign for a maximum of 30 days. This 30-day period shall not start prior to issuance of a tenant occupancy permit and shall not extend beyond installation of the permanent sign for the business or 30 days after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, whichever is sooner.
d. Temporary business signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.
e. Temporary signs shall be attached to the building of the business of which they are advertising.
1. Temporary signs may be freestanding if the overall height does not exceed eight feet.
2. When attached to the building, temporary signs shall not be mounted higher than the eave line or top of the parapet wall of the building and no portion of the sign shall extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.
f. Temporary off-premises signs in commercial districts are prohibited except for temporary wayfinding signs for nonprofit or residential activities which are permitted, subject to the conditions in Section 6.14.B(1), Temporary Signs, Residential Districts, for nonprofit or residential activities occurring adjacent to commercial districts.
g. The following signs may be permitted through a temporary sign permit:
1. Flag-mounted signs; (See Figure 6-18.)
2. Banners; (See Figure 6-19.)
3. Pennants;
4. Streamers;
5. Balloons;
6. Inflatable signs;
7. Costumed characters;
8. Sandwich board or A-frame signs. (See Figure 6-20.)
Figure 6-18: Flag-Mounted Sign
Figure 6-19: Banner Sign
Figure 6-20: A-Frame Sign
(3) Site Development Signs
a. One on-premises site development sign may be allowed for each development project.
b. A site development sign may be displayed upon the issuance of a building permit for the project and shall be removed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or the abandonment of the project, whichever shall first occur.
c. Any site development sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and shall not exceed eight feet in height. [Res. 2019-19 Exh. A, 10-8-19].