Glendale's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Glendale, Arizona, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Political Signs

Arizona law (A.R.S. 16-1019) strongly protects political sign display and preempts local restrictions. In Glendale, residents may display political signs on private property without a permit. Signs must be removed within 15 days after the election. Political signs in the public right-of-way are permitted starting 60 days before a primary election and must be removed within 15 days after the general election.

Key details: State Law: A.R.S. 16-1019 preempts local restrictions. Private Property: No permit required for political signs. Right-of-Way: Allowed 60 days before primary election. Removal Deadline: Within 15 days after election. Size Limit: HOAs may limit to reasonable sizes.

Signs in right-of-way: removal by city, possible fine $25 to $100. Oversized signs: notice to reduce. Failure to remove post-election: fines $25 to $50 per day after grace period.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Glendale gives residents more flexibility on political signs.

Holiday Displays

Glendale does not have specific ordinances restricting holiday displays on private residential property. Seasonal decorations and holiday lighting are generally permitted as temporary displays. Displays must not create traffic hazards, obstruct public sidewalks, or violate electrical safety codes. HOAs may have separate rules governing holiday decoration timing and types.

Key details: Permit Required: None for residential holiday displays. Duration: Seasonal/temporary — no strict city deadline. Safety: Must not create traffic or fire hazards. Electrical: Must comply with electrical safety codes. HOA Rules: May impose additional restrictions.

Obstruction of sidewalk or road: notice to correct. Electrical hazard: fire department may require removal. Excessive noise: noise ordinance enforcement. Displays left up past deadline: HOA fines possible.

The rules around holiday displays in Glendale lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Garage Sale Signs

Glendale regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs under its sign code in the Unified Development Code (Chapter 35). Garage sale signs may be displayed on private property during the sale. Signs in the public right-of-way are generally prohibited and subject to removal by the city. Signs must not obstruct visibility at intersections or create traffic hazards.

Key details: Code Section: Glendale UDC Ch. 35 — Sign Regulations. Private Property: Allowed during active sale. Right-of-Way: Generally prohibited. Safety: Must not obstruct intersection visibility. Removal: Must remove promptly after sale ends.

Signs on utility poles: removal and fine $25 to $50. Signs not removed after sale: fine $25 per day. Excessive signs: warning, then citation.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Glendale gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Glendale's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.