Tempe's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

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

Garage Sale Signs

Tempe regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs through the Zoning and Development Code. Signs on private property are permitted. Signs on utility poles, traffic signs, and public right-of-way are generally prohibited. Signs must be removed promptly after the sale ends.

Key details: On Property: Permitted. Public Property: Prohibited on utility poles, traffic signs, medians. Removal: Within 24 hours after sale ends. Off-Site Signs: Only on private property with permission. City Removal: Unauthorized signs on public property removed.

Signs on public property may be removed by the city. Failure to remove signs after the sale may result in a code compliance citation.

Holiday Displays

Tempe permits holiday decorations and displays on residential properties. There are no specific time restrictions on when decorations can be put up or taken down, though they should be removed within a reasonable period after the holiday. Inflatable displays, light shows, and nativity scenes are permitted on private property. HOA rules may impose additional restrictions.

Key details: Generally Permitted: Yes, on private property. Time Limit: No specific deadline, reasonable removal expected. Safety: Must not create fire or electrical hazards. Noise: Musical displays subject to noise ordinance. HOA Rules: May impose additional restrictions.

Decorations that become dilapidated or create safety hazards may be cited. Noise from displays is subject to the noise ordinance.

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

Political Signs

Arizona law (ARS 16-1019) protects the right to display political signs on residential property. Tempe cannot prohibit political signs on private property within reasonable size limits. Signs may generally be placed 60 days before an election and must be removed 15 days after. HOAs cannot prohibit political signs within the statutory time period.

Key details: State Law: ARS 16-1019 protects political sign rights. Display Period: 71 days before primary through 15 days after general. Size: Reasonable size limits, typically 4x4 ft residential. HOA: ARS 33-1808 prevents HOA bans during display period. Public Property: Prohibited on public land, right-of-way, utility poles.

Signs on public property may be removed. Signs remaining beyond the 15-day post-election deadline may be cited.

The rules around political signs in Tempe lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Tempe 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.

These rules come from Tempe's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.