Phoenix, AZ Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Distance from freeway ROW
- within 300 feet
- Eligible freeways
- I-17, I-10, SR 202, SR 143, SR 101 segment
- Max height (no permit)
- 48 feet
- Max height (use permit)
- 70 feet
- Preserve buffer exclusion
- 2,000 feet
Summary
Off-premise billboards near Phoenix freeways are capped to a short list of named routes and a 300-foot band from the right-of-way, or they're banned.
Off-premise structures shall be located only in A-1 or A-2 districts and shall be located only on arterial streets as designated on the Street Classification Map or located within 300 feet of the right-of-way and oriented to the following permitted freeways: a. Interstate 17; b. Interstate 10; c. SR (LOOP) 202, "Red Mountain Freeway"... Off-premise signs are a prohibited use on all other existing and future freeways within the City limits and shall not be reoriented to obtain freeway visibility.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Phoenix's Zoning Ordinance confines freeway-oriented off-premise signs (billboards) to A-1 or A-2 zoned parcels within 300 feet of the right-of-way of a short named list of freeways: I-17, I-10, SR 202 "Red Mountain Freeway," the western section of SR 202 "Ed Pastor Freeway," SR 143, and the western SR 101 to Camelback Road. Every other freeway in the city is off-limits, and an existing sign can't be reoriented to chase freeway visibility. Freeway signs also skip the standard 25-foot right-of-way setback but are capped at 48 feet (70 feet with a use permit), and are barred within 2,000 feet of the Phoenix or South Mountain preserves, in historic preservation districts, or in scenic corridors.
Violations & Fines
Erecting or reorienting an off-premise sign toward a non-listed freeway, or inside a preserve buffer/historic district, is an unlawful use subject to Planning and Development Department enforcement and sign-permit denial or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a billboard face any Phoenix freeway?
Is there a setback from the freeway for these signs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona sign regulations overview
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Freeway-Facing Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle freeway-facing signs.