Mesa's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Mesa, 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

Mesa regulates signs under the Zoning Ordinance Article 5 (Sign Ordinance). Political signs on residential property are protected by A.R.S. Section 16-1019, which limits local government regulation. Mesa allows political signs in residential areas within 71 days before and 3 days after an election. Signs must not exceed 6 square feet in residential zones and cannot be placed in the public right-of-way.

Key details: Code Section: Mesa Zoning Ordinance Article 5. State Law: A.R.S. §16-1019 protects political signs. Max Size (Residential): 6 square feet. Timing: 71 days before to 3 days after election. Right-of-Way: Prohibited in public ROW.

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.

Garage Sale Signs

Mesa's Sign Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance Article 5) regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs. Garage sale signs are considered temporary signs and must comply with size, placement, and duration limits. Signs may not be placed on utility poles, traffic signs, or in the public right-of-way. The city's Code Compliance division enforces sign regulations and may remove non-compliant signs.

Key details: Code Section: Mesa Zoning Ordinance Article 5. Placement: Private property only, not in ROW. Prohibited Locations: Utility poles, traffic signs, medians. Duration: Must be removed after sale ends. Enforcement: Code Compliance removes violations.

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

Holiday Displays

Mesa does not impose specific restrictions on residential holiday displays beyond general sign ordinance and nuisance provisions. Holiday decorations on private property are generally permitted year-round, though excessive lighting or displays that create traffic hazards or constitute a public nuisance could be subject to code enforcement. Arizona's strong property rights tradition means municipalities take a permissive approach to seasonal displays.

Key details: Specific Ordinance: No holiday-specific ordinance. General Rule: Permitted on private property. Nuisance Standard: Must not create traffic hazards. Lighting: Subject to general outdoor lighting standards. Duration: No mandatory removal deadline.

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.

Mesa is more permissive than most cities when it comes to holiday displays. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Mesa's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Mesa is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Mesa can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.