How Scottsdale Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Scottsdale maintains 120 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Scottsdale falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Garage Sale Signs

Scottsdale regulates all temporary signs content-neutrally by zoning district and duration. Non-permanent signs on minor collector or local roads may not exceed 3 feet in height or 6 square feet in area, and cannot be displayed for more than 48 consecutive hours. Signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way of major streets.

Key details: Max Height: 3 feet. Max Size: 6 square feet. Max Duration: 48 consecutive hours. Location: Minor collector or local roads only; not arterials. Permit: No permit required if size/location rules met.

Non-compliant signs may be removed by code enforcement. Repeated violations may result in citations.

Holiday Displays

Scottsdale generally permits seasonal holiday decorations on residential properties. Decorations must not create safety hazards, block sidewalks, or violate the outdoor lighting ordinance. Extended display of seasonal decorations well past the holiday may trigger property maintenance complaints.

Key details: Generally Permitted: Yes — seasonal decorations are customary use. Lighting Compliance: Must comply with outdoor lighting ordinance. Sidewalk/ROW: Must not block pedestrian access. HOA Rules: Often regulate type, dates, and placement of decorations. Extended Display: Decorations well past the holiday may trigger complaints.

Decorations creating safety hazards, light trespass, or extended blight may result in code enforcement action. HOA violations are handled through CC&R enforcement.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Scottsdale gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

Political Signs

Arizona law (HB 2500) restricts municipalities from enforcing local temporary sign laws against political signs during election season. Political signs in residential areas may be up to 16 square feet; in other areas up to 32 square feet. All temporary signs, including political signs, are prohibited in the public right-of-way.

Key details: State Law: HB 2500 limits local regulation of political signs. Residential Size: Up to 16 square feet. Other Areas: Up to 32 square feet. Display Period: 71 days before primary through 15 days after general. Right-of-Way: All temporary signs prohibited.

Signs in the public right-of-way may be removed by the city. HOAs cannot prohibit compliant political signs under ARS §33-1808.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Scottsdale 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.

Keep in mind that Scottsdale 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.